Tottenham Hotspur’s Dominic Solanke opened his goal account for the club in their commanding 3-0 Europa League win over Qarabag FK. Solanke’s goal, his first for Spurs since joining in the summer, came from a scrappy situation in front of the net. After a shot from Son Heung-min was parried by Qarabag’s keeper Mateusz Kochalski, Solanke was in the right place to fire home and seal the victory for the north London side.
What made the moment even more memorable wasn’t just the goal itself but Solanke’s post-goal celebration. Known for his love of anime, Solanke paid homage to Attack on Titan by biting his thumb, mimicking the iconic gesture of Eren Yeager from the popular series. The celebration was well-received by fans, many of whom recognized the reference.
This isn’t Solanke’s first anime-inspired celebration. During his time at Bournemouth, he performed tributes to series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto, Demon Slayer, and One Piece, often incorporating creative props into his post-goal theatrics. Solanke has become known for blending his love of anime with his passion for football, and he recently shared his top three anime series in a Tottenham Hotspur feature: Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan.
The goal was Solanke’s fourth appearance of the season and marks a significant moment for the striker as he settles into life under Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou. The match itself had its tense moments, particularly after Spurs were reduced to 10 men following Radu Drăgușin’s early red card. However, Tottenham managed to control the game and secure a 3-0 victory, with Solanke capping off the night.
For anime fans and football enthusiasts alike, Solanke’s celebrations have become something to look forward to. His passion for anime adds a unique twist to his performances on the pitch, and all eyes will be on him the next time he finds the back of the net to see what he comes up with next.
