VIDEO: Did Ronaldo just mouth ‘Bismillah’ before scoring?

Did Cristiano Ronaldo just say "Bismillah" before taking one of the biggest penalties of Portugal's World Cup campaign?

That's exactly what football fans across social media are debating after a viral clip showed the Portuguese superstar quietly mouthing a few words before converting his penalty against Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

As Ronaldo walked towards the spot, kissed the ball and prepared to shoot, cameras zoomed in on his face. Within minutes, viewers began claiming they could clearly see him saying "Bismillah"—the Arabic phrase meaning "In the name of Allah".

The clip quickly exploded online.

"He said it also before his freekick," one fan claimed while sharing another video.

"I think he does recite that dua (Bismillah)," another wrote.

Others were even more convinced.

"Alhamdulillah yes he indeed did say Bismillāh!" one comment read, while another simply said, "I noticed and screamed at the TV! ALHUMDULILLAH."

The audio in the clip isn't clear enough to independently verify what Ronaldo actually said, and the football icon himself has not commented on the speculation.

Still, this isn't the first time fans have noticed it.

Back in April, supporters made similar claims after Ronaldo appeared to mouth the same words before scoring a penalty for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Since moving to Saudi Arabia, fans have repeatedly tried to decode his quiet pre-kick ritual, although Ronaldo has never publicly explained it.

The goal itself was historic.

Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to reach the Round of 16 after Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot in the 68th minute. The strike marked the first knockout-stage World Cup goal of his legendary career and made him the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout match, aged 41 years and 147 days.

Portugal sealed the victory in stoppage time through Gonçalo Ramos and will now face Spain in the Round of 16.

But online, many fans seem just as fascinated by what Ronaldo may—or may not—have whispered before the ball hit the back of the net.