The Story Behind Luka Menalo’s Violin Celebration After Scoring Against Sabah FC
Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar witnessed an impressive performance from Luka Menalo on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as Persib faced Sabah FC. Menalo scored one of Persib’s three goals to help secure a convincing 3-0 victory.
It was not only his clinical finish that caught the public’s attention. After finding the back of the net against the Malaysian side, Menalo performed an iconic celebration on the touchline, mimicking the gesture of playing a violin.
The celebration led some fans to believe that the Bosnia and Herzegovina international was skilled at playing the instrument. However, Menalo quickly dismissed any suggestion that the celebration had anything to do with his musical abilities.
“No, I can’t play the violin at all,” Luka Menalo said.
Menalo revealed that the iconic celebration was actually a tribute to legendary Italy striker Alberto Gilardino, whom he frequently played as in the football video game PES 6.
“The violin celebration was Alberto Gilardino’s signature celebration in PES 6. When I was a kid, every time he scored a goal in the game, I would imitate his celebration in real life,” Menalo explained.
For Menalo, scoring for Persib provided the perfect opportunity to bring back a childhood memory that had helped shape his love for football.
When asked whether he would perform the unique celebration again after scoring in future matches, the 30-year-old winger left the door open.
“Maybe. We’ll see,” Menalo said.
