Alexander Isak’s composed finish in the 53rd minute of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool sealed Newcastle United’s historic 2-1 victory, ending a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
However, it wasn’t just the goal that had fans talking, but the striker’s now-signature celebration that followed.
Immediately after slotting the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher, Isak turned and ran a few paces before stopping, pointing his thumb directly towards the Liverpool team or defence with a distinct smug look on his face.
Alexander Isak's celebration has been quite a sight in the Carabao Cup this season
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 16, 2025pic.twitter.com/cYoDheg54T
The gesture, captured by cameras from multiple angles, quickly went viral, dividing opinions across social media.
Many Newcastle supporters and neutrals lauded the celebration as “ice cold” and “iconic,” perfectly encapsulating the confidence and swagger of a player who had just played a pivotal role in a momentous win.
Some Liverpool fans, however, viewed it as disrespectful, particularly given the magnitude of the final.
This wasn’t the first time Isak has deployed this particular celebration.
He used it after scoring a crucial goal against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg and again after netting an equalizer against Chelsea earlier in the Premier League season.
This repetition suggests it’s a deliberate and potentially meaningful gesture from the Swedish international.
While Isak himself has remained tight-lipped about the celebration’s true meaning, the internet has been abuzz with theories.
The most popular interpretation is a confident “who are these guys?” directed at the opposition.
Others have suggested it could be a more pointed “get a load of this guy” aimed at specific defenders like Virgil van Dijk.
Another theory posits it as a simple “did you see what I done?” gesture, showcasing his match-winning contribution.
Regardless of its intended meaning, Alexander Isak’s enigmatic celebration has undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue to Newcastle’s memorable Carabao Cup victory, sparking debate and further cementing his status as a captivating figure in the Premier League.
