Senegal Coach's Fist-Pumping Celebration Meme Is a Real World Cup Highlight
The 2018 World Cup in Russia has had plenty of memorable moments so far — after all, who can forget the Japanese fans who cleaned up the litter at the stadium after their team’s stunning win?— but one of the highlights was Senegal’s first win of World Cup against Poland on Tuesday night, a victory that was celebrated heartily by Senegal’s coach, Aliou Cissé.
Cissé, a former English Premier League player who is the World Cup’s youngest coach and the only African coach at this year’s tournament, not only skillfully coached his team, representing West Africa’s Republic of Senegal, to an upset of FIFA’s No. 8 ranked Poland, but captured the hearts of the Internet with his emphatic fist pumps, hand motions, and earnest facial expressions. His fist pump, in particular, was ready fodder for the Internet, who happily turned the motion into a GIF that went viral.
Senegal's Aliou Cissé with one of the great World Cup coaching celebrations. You may meme this if you would like, internets. pic.twitter.com/zVkaWiotky
— Miriti Murungi (@NutmegRadio) June 19, 2018
As might be expected, it wasn’t long before the inspiring moment became a meme.
Me when plans get cancelled. #AliouCisse #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/OdbTBeyxvU
— Mikey Traynor (@mikeytraynor) June 19, 2018
Aliou Cissé is me when there's free food at work pic.twitter.com/n9cAyF58IC
— Dan Molloy (@DanMolloyTV) June 19, 2018
Senegal manager Aliou Cissé like: "Celebrate. But make it fashion." pic.twitter.com/DEbUMsd4Ep
— Kimberly Eaton (@tweetdeguerre) June 19, 2018
May the force of Aliou Cisse be with you today. Go forth and conquer. pic.twitter.com/WvaggdqeNi
— Nanjala Nyabola (@Nanjala1) June 20, 2018