Like Ronaldo, Ethan Sanchez helps UH boot Colorado

HOUSTON – Ethan Sanchez idolized the legendary soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo as a child growing up in Dallas, Georgia.

The University of Houston kicker always wore Ronaldo’s No. 7, securing the CR7 cleats and Manchester United merchandise as soon as he could.

Sanchez loved Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebration, which was always accentuated with a “Siuu!” He aspired to one day duplicate  that celebration, and he finally pulled it off Friday night while helping Houston dominate Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes.

Sanchez paid tribute to his idol by using Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuu” celebration after kicking a 49-yard field goal to secure the Cougars 36-20 victory over Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes.

Honoring CR7

“I love Manchester United. That is my team,” Sanchez said. “I love Cristiano Ronaldo, and he’s my idol. 

“I’ve always worn the same soccer cleats as him. Always got the same jersey as him. And for you guys who love soccer, you can possibly relate. I’ve always wanted to put that one out there and, you know, just the emotions got the best of me, and I just Siuuu!”

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If ever a UH crowd would recognize Sanchez’s tribute, it was Friday night’s crowd at TDECU Stadium. The Mariachi Pumas weren’t the only Mexican Americans performing for the Cougars on Hispanic Heritage Night.

Sanchez put on a show in front of a crowd of 37,899. He went 5 of 6 on field goal tries with a long of 52 yards. He contributed 18 points, including PATs.

Start your day off with highlights from last nights 36-20 win over Colorado 👍 pic.twitter.com/dkbISD7BjI

— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 13, 2025

“Ethan Sanchez did an excellent job,” said UH coach Willie Fritz, who had never had a kicker hit a field goal at least 50 yards during his career as head coach. “He went 5 of 6, did a great job. Those were long ones. That’s the reason why we got him. He was 10-of-11 at his last school.” 

Ethan Sanchez wore the Hispanic Heritage T-shirt UH gave 10,000 fans as he discussed how it felt to have a standout performance against the Buffaloes on Hispanic Heritage Night.

Welcomed in Houston

“That’s what I mean about the city of Houston, welcoming me as a Latino” Sanchez said. “The city is very diverse. I love it.”

Sanchez spent three seasons at Old Dominion before transferring to the University of Houston. He appeared in 36 games converting 35 of 46 field goals and 101 of 106 extra points. His career long field goal was against Bowling Green on week 5 for 53 yards.

“That was huge,” said Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman of Sanchez. “We see him everyday in practice. He goes to work.

“We watch the field goals in practice, and he booms those things. We have complete trust in Ethan.” 

Sanchez was a perfect complement to  Weigman, who had a career day. He completed 15 of 24 passes for 222 yards and rushed for 83 yards. The Texas A&M junior transfer also rushed for two touchdowns. 

”I’m just excited that we got to put a mariachi band at the half, and it was great,” Sanchez said. “They did awesome. It’s really good for the minorities. And being Hispanic and being Mexican, we fight for our chances. I’m glad we capitalized on the chances we do get.”

_{Featured picture courtesy of Houston Athletics.}