MAN UTD fan and Strictly star Rachel Riley has helped set a new world record for the largest synchronised goal celebration – with the help of hundreds of Lionesses fans.
The TV presenter used her dancing know-how to lead more than 500 fans in a synchronised mash-up of popular goal celebrations as England defeated Haiti.
Among the celebrations featured were Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’, Peter Crouch’s robot dance, and Lionel Messi’s two fingers to the sky.
It took place at Wembley Stadium’s BOXPARK fan zone which has been renamed ‘WeetaBOXPARK’ for England’s first two matches following a partnership with Weetabix.
The 37-year-old, who teamed-up with the cereal brand to help set the new record, said: “As a nation, we all love a good goal celebration – it unites us in support.
“This record break was the perfect way to bring football fans together to have some fun and show the Lionesses and how proud we are of them.
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“I learnt a lot during my time on Strictly, but this routine was a different dance sequence altogether – I hope I did Crouchy proud!”
The mass-dance follows a study commissioned by Weetabix into the greatest football goal celebrations of all-time – with Peter Crouch’s robot dance coming top.
Paul Gascoigne’s dentist chair finished in second place and Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ secured third spot.
Other notable goal celebrations included Jürgen Klinsmann’s dive, Eric Cantona’s boss man stance, and Jimmy Bullard’s half time team talk.
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Celebrations from the women’s game made the cut too – including Chloe Kelly swinging her top overhead, and Ellen White’s goggles celebration.
Rachel added: “I loved that Chloe Kelly’s iconic goal celebration came out as 10th in the most iconic moves of all time.
“It really shows how football fans have moved on and that the Lionesses are now seen as rivals to the major men’s players.”
It also emerged 60 per cent of the 1,000 football fans polled believe a truly great celebration can make a goal “even better.”
While 62 per cent believe goal celebrations have the power to unite countries when cheering on their side.
And an iconic celebration can also get more people playing football – as 39 per cent believe Chloe Kelly’s at England’s European Championship win in 2022 inspired more young girls to take up the sport.
Rachel said: “As a mum to two girls, I love that the Lionesses are such incredible role models.
“And I’m sure they will inspire my two little ones to want to lace up their football boots in the future.
“Weetabix have been championing women’s football for years.
“And I love that they’re on a mission to inspire more young girls to get into the beautiful game through their Weetabix Wildcats initiative, where young girls aged 5-11 can play, have fun and find a new sense of confidence.
“I wish something like that existed when I was younger!”
The study also found 77 per cent of fans polled follow the women’s game, with 35 per cent putting it down to just enjoying all football.
While 24 per cent believe the game is more family friendly, and 40 per cent think it’s inspiring for young girls.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study identified the Lionesses fans are most excited to see play over the coming weeks – with Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly the top three.
Hannah Shorley, senior brand manager for Weetabix, said: “As a nation we love to cheer on goal celebrations. “Whether it’s the robot or ‘Siuuu’, we cheer on our favourite footballers as they bust a move.
“And it’s clear we love to replicate these iconic moves ourselves – helping us to feel a part of the action and more connected.”
England vs Denmark will be shown at WeetaBOXPARK on Friday July 28 at 9.30am – to book your free tickets click here.
TOP 25 GOAL CELEBRATIONS OF ALL-TIME:
1. Peter Crouch’s robot dance
2. Paul Gascoigne’s dentist chair
3. Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ spread
4. Jürgen Klinsmann’s dive
5. Eric Cantona’s boss man stance
6. Alan Shearer’s one arm raise/hand
7. Roger Milla’s corner flag dance
8. Lionel Messi’s two fingers to the sky
9. Wayne Rooney’s boxing knockout punch
10. Chloe Kelly swinging her top overhead
11. Jimmy Bullard’s half time team talk
12. Mario Balotelli’s “why always me?”
13. Fabrizio Ravanelli’s shirt over head
14. Erling Haaland’s Zen pose
15. Daniel Sturridge’s arm wave dance
16. Luis Suárez’s three kisses
17. Edinson Cavani’s archer
18. Megan Rapinoe’s pose with her outstretched arms
19. Kylian Mbappé’s two hands across the chest
20. Alex Morgan’s exaggerated sip of tea
21. Ellen White’s goggles
22. Brandi Chastain’s shirtless celebration
23. Samuel Eto’o’s old man pose
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24. Emile Heskey’s DJ set
25. Jesse Lingard’s milly rock
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
