Abde Ezzalzouli recreates Tshabalala’s iconic 2010 World Cup celebration

Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli paid tribute to South African football legend Siphiwe Tshabalala by recreating his iconic goal celebration during Betis’ 3-2 victory over FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League.

The Morocco international scored shortly after half-time in Wednesday’s thrilling encounter, curling a superb finish into the net in the 47th minute to give the Spanish side the lead at La Cartuja Stadium.

However, it was his celebration that caught the attention of South African football fans, with Ezzalzouli appearing to imitate Tshabalala’s memorable celebration from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Tshabalala etched his name into football history on 11 June 2010 when he scored South Africa’s opening goal against Mexico in the tournament’s opening match at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

His powerful finish and subsequent celebration became one of the defining images of the World Cup, which was hosted on African soil for the first time.

Ezzalzouli’s gesture revived memories of that historic moment, prompting reactions from South African supporters on social media.

Real Betis also shared the moment across their social media platforms, highlighting the tribute during their Champions League victory.