Fact Check: Did Cristiano Ronaldo wave Palestinian flag on the ground?

A video showing a footballer waving the Palestinian flag is viral on social media. Users claim it shows Cristiano Ronaldo waving the flag in support of Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

An X user shared the video with the caption, “Ronaldo Supports Palestine #Palestine #IsraelPalestineWar #israel #FreePalestine #Gaza #GazaUnderAttack #Hamasattack.”

Several X and Facebook users have shared the video claiming the same. (Click here and here to view the posts.)

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the video shows Moroccan footballer Jawad El Yamiq waving the flag during the FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022.

We skimmed through the comments on one of the viral posts and found a user saying the video shows Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq.

Taking this cue, we ran a keyword search. We found an extended version on YouTube, published by a verified channel, Middle East Eye, on December 2, 2022, titled “World Cup: Morocco’s Jawad El Yamiq celebrates win over Canada with a Palestinian flag.”

The video's description read, “Moroccan player Jawad El Yamiq celebrates his team’s win over Canada and advancing to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a Palestinian flag.”

We also found the video published by 4tv News Channel and Doha News Official on December 2, 2022. Both the channels stated in the caption that the video shows the Moroccan player Jawad El Yamiq waving the Palestinian flag.

A CNN report of December 7, 2022, also said Moroccan player Jawad El Yamiq had raised the Palestinian flag while celebrating his country’s 2-1 victory over Canada.

Hence, we conclude that the viral video shows Moroccan player Jawad El Yamiq waving the Palestinian flag, not Cristiano Ronaldo. The claim is false.