Manchester City cemented their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a commanding 2–0 victory against Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki ensured Pep Guardiola’s side finished in the top eight of Group Stage standings, securing automatic progression without the need for the playoffs.
But beyond the result, one moment from Haaland’s celebration has captured widespread attention — and sparked a surge of reaction from fans across the football world.
The Goal That Launched It All
Haaland opened the scoring in just the 10th or 11th minute, taking advantage of a well-weighted through ball from teammate Jeremy Doku before delicately chipping the Galatasaray keeper to break his recent drought from open play — his first such goal in several matches.
After finding the net, the Norwegian striker wheeled away from the goal in an animated celebration — and many supporters believe he delivered what has been dubbed a “Leeds salute.”
What Is the “Leeds Salute”?
Social media and fan forums lit up after the game with clips of Haaland appearing to gesture in a way that Leeds United fans recognise as a salute associated with their supporters — a nod to local pride.
The term “Leeds salute” refers to a celebratory gesture many followers of Leeds United use, often tied to acknowledging the club’s history and identity.
For some fans, that moment carries even deeper meaning: Leeds United’s history with Galatasaray includes the tragic loss of two supporters in Istanbul in 2000, and that context adds additional layers to the interpretation of Haaland’s celebration.
A Personal Connection to Leeds
The connection isn’t random.
Haaland was born in Leeds while his father, former Norwegian defender Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Leeds United.
Over the years, the striker has shown intermittent affection for the club and city — whether through historic comments about his roots or gestures that fans have seized upon.
This tie to Leeds explains why supporters of the West Yorkshire club were particularly moved by the celebration, seeing it as a personal — and perhaps emotional — tribute during one of the biggest nights of the European season.
Fan Reaction and Debate
Responses online have varied. Many Leeds fans celebrated the moment, flooding social feeds with admiration and interpreting Haaland’s celebration as a sincere sign of affection for his hometown and childhood club.
Others in broader football communities simply enjoyed the spectacle of a player acknowledging a part of his identity on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Of course, not every reaction has been straightforward.
Some observers pointed out that interpretations can be subjective, especially in the heat of the moment during a high-profile match, and that Haaland’s primary focus was likely celebrating an important goal for his current team.
Nonetheless, the gesture has ignited conversation far beyond Manchester.
City’s Victory and What’s Next
On the pitch, the win was equally significant for Manchester City.
Their performance — anchored by Haaland’s goal and Cherki’s follow-up before half-time — saw them progress directly into the Champions League knockout rounds.
The result also eased the pressure on Guardiola and his squad amid a congested fixture schedule and recent inconsistent form.
As City prepare for the next phase of European competition, Haaland’s strike — and the celebration that followed — will be remembered not just for its sporting importance, but for the cultural and emotional resonance it sparked across the sport.
