Everyone Expected World Cup Drama-Then a Dog Named Ronaldo Showed Up
The World Cup already has one Ronaldo making headlines, but a six-year-old Chihuahua-dachshund mix from Pennsylvania has millions of people wondering if the wrong one is on the pitch.
Named after the Portuguese soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, this dog named Ronaldo has gone viral for his acrobatic saves in his family's backyard net. His parents say they never trained him to do any of it, and his videos have racked up millions of views.
SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends
With the World Cup underway, NBC News caught up with the family. "Not only did he block them, but he would also, like, do acrobatics in the middle of it. Like, he would totally twist himself and grab the ball, which was like, amazing that we never taught him any of this," they told NBC News.
We Need a Ronaldo vs. Ronaldo Matchup
"We're going to need a Ronaldo vs. Ronaldo matchup," one viewer wrote under the NBC News video on YouTube. "Florentino Perez needs to sign Ronaldo here. 150 million euros, definitely," added another.
"With this goalie, Arsenal win the Champions League," someone else declared. "And all my dog does is pretend to chase birds," a third chimed in.
Related: This Surprise World Cup Drop Lets Your Furry Best Friend Rep Their Favorite Team in Style
Can You Teach a Dog to Catch a Ball?
Ronaldo's videos have pet parents reaching for a ball and heading outside. The instinct to track and intercept moving objects runs deep in most dogs. They just need the right outlet for that instinct.
Start with something soft, and stand close. Toss it in a gentle arc toward your dog's nose level. The early goal is getting them to watch the ball, not you.
Reward the attempt, not just the catch. Dogs build the catching instinct through consistent positive reinforcement. Praise immediately after any interaction with the ball, even a fumble, and limit sessions to five minutes. Short and successful beats long and frustrating every time.
Keep Your Dog Safe
Acrobatic jumps look effortless on video, but repetitive leaping on hard surfaces may cause joint issues over time. Smaller breeds are particularly prone to kneecap problems that jumping may aggravate.
Always train on grass or a soft surface, and watch for stiffness or reluctance to jump in the days after a session. Ronaldo's saves are still racking up views as the World Cup runs. Check his Instagram profile to marvel at his skills and cheer him on.
Related: See the Rare Moment a Golden Retriever Realizes a Big Ball Is Actually Life-Changing
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 10:48 AM.