Golden State Valkyries Win Historic WNBA Title and Celebrate with Viral Cristiano Ronaldo “Siuuu” Chant

The Golden State Valkyries players performed a collective imitation of Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature “SIUUU” celebration during their championship festivities.

The chant, which has been popularized by the Portuguese football star since 2013, went viral on social media following the franchise’s historic victory. The moment highlights the global cultural reach of the celebration, a gesture previously mimicked by local sports figures such as Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.

The Valkyries secured their first WNBA championship on October 31, 2026, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a decisive Game 7. The victory, played before a capacity crowd at the Chase Center in San Francisco, marked the fastest a franchise has reached a title in league history, achieving the feat in just its second season of existence.

“This is an example of that when you put love and heart in, you can win WNBA titles,” said Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries’ second-year head coach.

Gabby Williams leads championship comeback

Gabby Williams earned Finals MVP honors after a dominant second-half performance that propelled the California-based team to the title. While she scored only two points in the first half, Williams exploded for 28 points in the second period.

Williams struck three consecutive three-pointers to reduce a deficit to a single point (43-44) before hitting a fadeaway jumper to reclaim the lead for Golden State. Later in the game, with approximately two minutes remaining and the score tied at 57, Williams hit an eight-meter three-pointer to extend the Valkyries’ advantage.

“They told me I had to be patient in the first half and it was very hard,” Williams told reporters.

Williams, 30, had previously recorded 26 points in Game 6 of the Finals. Regarding the team dynamic, she added, “All that was necessary was a group of good people, we don’t have stars, we have players who want to do things in the best way possible.”

Defensive effort secures Game 7 victory

The Valkyries’ defensive intensity proved critical in the third quarter, where they limited Atlanta to just 14 points. This defensive stand helped overcome a nine-point deficit that had briefly positioned the Dream as favorites to win the series.

Kiah Stokes contributed 13 points and a rebound with 54 seconds remaining to help secure the win. That rebound helped extend the lead to seven points, effectively sealing the championship for the purple-clad squad.

Stokes, who has now won four WNBA titles, joined Verónica Burton in a dominant rebounding effort. The two players combined for 24 of the team’s 47 total rebounds.

The Dream’s offense struggled under the pressure, particularly from Angel Reese, who was held to 8 points.

Valkyries break WNBA records

The Golden State Valkyries’ ascent represents a historic timeline for the league. Under Nakase’s direction, they became the quickest team to win a title in WNBA history, reaching the summit only two years after their inception.

The team’s championship run followed a strong regular season where they finished second in the standings with a 32-12 record. Their path to the title included victories over the Dallas Wings (2-1) in the first round and the Las Vegas Aces (3-0) in the semifinals.

The 2026 season concluded as the first in WNBA history to be decided by a seventh game in the Finals. This marks a contrast to the league’s inaugural season in 1996, when the Houston Comets won the championship in a single-game series against the New York Liberty.

The Valkyries improved mid-season; after starting 13-7 through June, the team went 19-5 from July 1 onward, the best record in the league.

For the Atlanta Dream, the loss marks their fourth time falling in the Finals, following previous appearances in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2026.

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