BREAKING: Rasmus Højlund Refuses to Celebrate Pride Month – Calls WOKE Culture “A Forced Trend”

MANCHESTER, UK – June 20, 2025 – Danish striker and Manchester United star Rasmus Højlund has become the latest high-profile athlete to wade into cultural controversy after declaring he will not be taking part in any Pride Month celebrations, saying the “WOKE movement” is “no longer about rights, but about forcing people into silence.”

During a podcast interview with former footballer and outspoken social commentator Roy Keane, Højlund was asked about his thoughts on social activism in football. His response has since exploded across the internet:

“I believe in equality, but not in being told what to believe. Pride Month has changed—it’s not about inclusion anymore. It’s about making everyone repeat the same script. That’s not freedom. That’s woke conformity.”

Shockwaves Through the Football World

The clip quickly went viral, and the football world erupted. While some praised Højlund’s “bravery” for speaking up, others called for consequences, even suspension, for what they deemed “harmful rhetoric.”

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #HojlundOut, #WokeWarrior, and #IStandWithRasmus trended simultaneously.

“Is this the freedom of speech people want?” wrote one furious fan. “Hiding behind ‘free thought’ to mask outdated intolerance?”

But another user wrote:

“Finally, a player who’s not afraid to challenge the mainstream. Respect, Rasmus.”

Manchester United Stays Silent — For Now

So far, Manchester United has not issued any official response, though internal sources suggest the club’s media team has gone into emergency strategy meetings.

A close source told The Guardian:

“They’re walking on a tightrope. Højlund is young, marketable, and a potential face of the club. But this is the kind of issue where one misstep can lead to sponsorship loss or fan boycotts.”

Højlund is said to be unapologetic, telling teammates in the locker room:

“I’m not going to fake something just to avoid headlines.”

LGBTQ+ Groups Respond with Fury

Stonewall UK, a major LGBTQ+ rights organization, was quick to condemn the comments:

“Rasmus Højlund’s words reflect a growing trend of privileged individuals using ‘freedom’ as a shield to avoid standing up for equality. Refusing to celebrate Pride is not neutrality—it’s complicity.”

A planned Pride display at Old Trafford has already been put under review after fears that Højlund might decline participation. Activists are calling for a public apology or a benching decision.

Players and Pundits Weigh In

Football personalities have begun taking sides. Former United player Gary Neville posted:

“Footballers have a platform. Silence—or worse, active dismissal—on issues of inclusion sets us back.”

Meanwhile, outspoken former defender Rio Ferdinand defended the striker:

“Rasmus is young, but he’s got guts. He’s not saying people don’t deserve rights—he’s questioning forced narratives. Let’s not confuse the two.”

Even rival players like Bukayo Saka and Erling Haaland were asked about the incident during training camps. Both declined to comment directly but emphasized the importance of “respecting everyone.”

Sponsors Caught in the Crossfire

Højlund’s major sponsor, Nike, released a vague statement:

“We believe in freedom of expression and equality. We are reviewing the situation closely.”

Some fans have already begun calling for a boycott of Nike if they continue to sponsor Højlund without a formal reprimand. Meanwhile, a counter-campaign titled #ProtectPlayerVoices is gaining traction online.

Culture War on the Pitch?

Cultural commentators say this could mark a major turning point in the ongoing tension between sports and activism.

Dr. Eliza Harper, a cultural psychologist, explains:

“Athletes are no longer just players—they’re platforms. And platforms, today, are expected to pick a side. Højlund refusing to engage isn’t a passive act; it’s a political statement whether he likes it or not.”

A YouGov flash poll showed 45% of UK football fans believe Pride Month has become “too commercial and politically charged,” while 48% say players should be required to participate in club-organized Pride events. Only 7% were unsure.

What’s Next for Rasmus?

With Euro 2025 qualifiers approaching, all eyes are on the Danish national team. Will Højlund double down, clarify, or backtrack?

No matter the answer, Rasmus Højlund has kicked more than just a ball this week—he’s ignited a cultural conversation that shows football is no longer just about goals, but also about values.