Sydney Sweeney Goes Viral After Showing Off Unexpected Soccer Skills
Sydney Sweeney grabbed attention in Portugal this weekend, but not for a film premiere or red carpet event. The American actress made headlines after attending Sporting CP’s Liga Portugal match against Estoril Praia in Lisbon.
According to reports and videos shared widely on social media, Sweeney was present in the VIP section as Sporting CP secured a comfortable 3-0 win. However, it was what happened after the final whistle that truly caught the internet’s eye.
Once the match ended, Sweeney stepped onto the pitch at the Alvalade Stadium. The club presented her with a Sporting CP kit, and she spent a few minutes on the field interacting with the team’s mascot. In a light-hearted moment, she was lifted up by the mascot before trying her luck with the ball.
Sydney Sweeney is going viral for her soccer skills⚽️👀pic.twitter.com/cv7WNrntS7
— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) February 28, 2026
Videos show the actress taking a penalty, which she calmly converted. She then copied the celebration of former Sporting player and current Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes by cupping her ears. She also attempted a few touches on the ball, and fans online were quick to react.
Bem-vinda a Alvalade, @sydney_sweeney 💚 pic.twitter.com/kHP0YOFX52
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) February 27, 2026
Many users praised her control, with some joking that her “first touch” looked better than that of certain professional players. Social media posts and fan reactions described the outing as fun and unexpected. One viral comment claimed her touch was better than “active footballers,” adding to the wave of memes that followed.
Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, has more than 26 million followers on Instagram. Her appearance at the Portuguese league match quickly spread across platforms, turning a routine league fixture into an international talking point.
As per match coverage and circulating fan videos, her visit highlights the growing global reach of Portuguese football. While Sporting CP celebrated a solid win on the field, it was Sweeney’s short but lively moment with the ball that dominated online conversations.
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