Christopher Nkunku celebrated his match-winner for Chelsea against Bournemouth in the Premier League by blowing up a balloon.
It was not the first time the French attacking midfielder had utilized the unique goal celebration to the astonishment of fans.
In November 2022, he was on the spotlights for a similar gesture after scoring for RB Leipzig against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. He quickly pulled out a balloon from his socks, inserted it into his mouth and blew it up to celebrate the goal.
Speaking with RMC Sports after the game, Nkunku revealed the reason behind the unique and charming goal celebration, which got fans talking. He said it was nothing but a dedication to his son.
According to him, he had promised the little boy that he would blow up a balloon to honour him if he scored. Back in 2020, the footballer revealed his child changed his perception, helping him find a new angle to life – one filled with a sense of responsibility.
Notably, the footballer debuted that celebration during the RB Leipzig Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk in November 2022 and since then, he has made it a part of his goal celebrations.
After joining Chelsea for £52m from RB Leipzig, Nkunku debuted the celebration in England on May 15, 2024, after scoring Chelsea’s second and match-winning goal in a 2-1 win over Brighton.
Speaking with Givemesport after the game, he reaffirmed again that the celebration is meant for his boy because he likes it.
“The balloon was for my son. He likes balloons,” he told Givemesport after the Brighton match.
Christopher Nkunku’s son
Christopher Nkunku is one of the few footballers who maintains strict privacy protocols on their life off the field. He is focused on his career and rarely lets out hints on his relationship and private life.
Before the curious balloon goal celebration, nothing was heard of about his son. He revealed in the interview for the first time that he has one. Nkunku’s dating life has also been a mystery. Some reports claim he is single since he rarely makes any public appearance with his partner.
However, in 2022, he attended the Sport BILD Award for Bundesliga players with one mystery lady, who was later identified as Amelie Kalombo and was also spotted with the lady, including a boy, after RB Leipzig match.
Reports later emerged that the pair, who were apparently dating, have broken up. Since then, Nkunku has focused on his career with little attention to his love life.
Christopher Nkunku Chelsea debacle
Nkunku scored the match-winner for Chelsea against Bournemouth, helping the team return to winning ways after settling for a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. The French footballing sensation is arguably a top-class player. His heroics with RB Leipzig attest to his proficiency and footballing abilities.
However, his spell with the Blues has been far from the benchmark. Niggling injury incident has diminished his role at the club. He was sidelined for 109 days with a knee injury, missing 15 games for Chelsea at the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
After recovering from the knee issue, he missed another seven games due to fitness issues that sidelined him for 43 days. Before the end of the campaign, he was grounded again with a hip and hamstring injury, which saw him miss an additional 17 games for the club.
Despite the injury setbacks, Christopher Nkunku is known for his impressive shifts for the Blues. He has scored four goals in 15 Premier League appearances for the club and will hope to play a big role as the club sets out for fresh start with new manager Enzo Maresca.
