Strictly star Rachel Riley leads crowd of football fans to set new world record

23 July 2023 , 08:49

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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.

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Rachel Riley leads the crowd to set a new world record for the largest goal celebration at WeetaBOXPARK (PinPep)

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.

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“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.

“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.

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% of the 1,000 football fans polled believe a truly great celebration can make a goal “even better.”

While 62% believe goal celebrations have the power to unite countries when cheering on their side.

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And an iconic celebration can also get more people playing football – as 39% believe Chloe Kelly’s at England’s Championship win in 2022 inspired more young girls to take up the sport.

Six in 10 football fans believe the goal celebration makes the moment "even better" (PinPep)

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% of fans polled follow the women’s game, with 35% putting it down to just enjoying all football.

While 24% believe the game is more family friendly, and 40% 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.

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