‘The Donald’ dance craze takes over US sports

Los Angeles: A dance move inspired by Donald Trump’s signature on-stage shuffle has become an unlikely sensation across the US sports world, with athletes from soccer fields to UFC cages adopting the viral celebration.

The move, characterised by a fist-pumping shuffle, first gained traction after Trump’s public appearances and has since spread rapidly. From the hard-hitting NFL to the LPGA Tour golf circuit, athletes have embraced what is now dubbed ‘The Donald’ as their go-to celebratory gesture.

United States soccer star Christian Pulisic joined the trend on Monday, celebrating his opening goal in a 4-2 win against Jamaica by mimicking the dance with teammates on the sidelines. The celebration delighted fans and fuelled the craze further.

The trend has drawn comparisons to other iconic sports celebrations, such as Roger Milla’s corner-flag dance at the 1990 World Cup and Usain Bolt’s lightning pose. While ‘The Donald’ might lack the elegance of those moves, its quirky appeal has captivated audiences across North America.

The dance has even appeared in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where fighters have performed the move post-victory, and in the NFL, where touchdown celebrations have taken on a new twist.