Creativity is never in short supply when it comes to goal celebrations in soccer. And why should it be? After all, what better way to stand out than by uniquely expressing yourself after finding the back of the net? This past Saturday, Kansas City Current star Lo’eau LaBonta pulled off some fun antics after her goal against the Houston Dash, precisely, performing a pirouette. Yet, even she admits her “sick” celly doesn’t quite compare to the jaw-dropping backflip of fellow NWSL star Ludmila.

It’s not like there aren’t any good celebrations other than the bold move of completely flipping your body in the backward direction. There are some creative ways through which players have heralded their goal. Yet, LaBonta believes she is quite intimidated by the signature move of the Chicago Stars forward.

“I would die,” LaBonta vocally admitted in the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast. “Ludmila only does one celebration ever. That’s just her thing. It’s her signature. She’ll only do that. If she ever popped out that backflip, I would just be like, ‘I’m out. Take me off the field.’ I wouldn’t know what to do. That would be so wild.”

Well, honestly, Ludmila’s celly is indeed quite daunting, of course, in a good way. The Brazilian literally takes a firm run-up and a safe distance before finally launching herself free in the air to completely turn upside down. Then again, it’s not like LaBonta’s celebration doesn’t deserve to be in the limelight.

For context, she recently performed an out-of-the-box one, performing a pirouette, which is basically a rapid spin or turn on one foot that is done on the toe, usually by ballet dancers. While one would say everyone must have been impressed to see her celebration, that apparently wasn’t the case at all!

“Well, it’s so funny because my responses to that were half and half,” said Lo, while addressing her short ballet dance. “A lot of the people and my teammates were like ‘That’s so sick! How’d you do it on grass?’ Then, I had people call me out like, ‘Oh, her form is trash.’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I’ve never done that in my life. I thought it was cool.'”

Looking at Lo’s celebration, it’s hard to see why she’s facing criticism. Yet, the Current midfielder found herself under fire, with many questioning her take on the ballet-inspired move. Talk about getting called out for trying something outside your area of expertise. What’s more surprising? Even her own close ones aren’t cutting her any slack!

Here’s why Lo’eau LaBonta feels intimidated by Ludmila’s backflips

When criticism comes from supporters or even strangers, players can often take it in stride. But when it comes from your own loved ones—especially family—it can be a real blow to your confidence. That might just be the case for Lo LaBonta, who was apparently questioned, even teased, by her own family for performing her version of a pirouette.

“I got 50-50 [reactions] Then obviously, your family always has to humble you,” she admitted in the same segment, hinting that even her close ones didn’t exactly shower her with praise for the celebration. Still, that hasn’t stopped Lo from enjoying the moment. The Rancho Cucamonga, California native knows that, in the end, what truly matters is self-satisfaction.

“But yeah, I had fun, I felt silly; That’s what I like to do. So I laugh at it. I’m like whatever. Give me something good, then I don’t know. A lot of the people I celebrate with weren’t on the field. So I was like, ‘Maybe I’ll just do this,'” concluded the Current midfielder.

We’re still puzzled as to why some people—even her own family—would criticize LaBonta. But the bright side is, she’s not taking it to heart, even if it means feeling a bit overshadowed by Ludmila’s incredible backflip.

What are your thoughts on both the celebrations? Let us know in the comments.