20 of the best goals ever scored
- Charlie Smith
- @CharlieSmith118
- Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share via email
- •
- 16 reads
- •
- 61 views
- •
- 8 min read
Wayne Rooney scored from his own half for the third time in his career on Wednesday in DC United’s win against Orlando City. The 33-year-old opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, lobbing Orlando keeper Brian Rowe with an audacious effort 80 yards out. England’s record scorer has had a habit of producing the extraordinary throughout his career, scoring phenomenal goals for club and country. So following the striker’s individual brilliance, we’ve decided to take a look at some of the best goals ever scored on a football pitch.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs England
Even though it was an international friendly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s stunning overhead kick against England in 2012 will go down as one of the best. The charismatic forward had his back to goal following Joe Hart’s poor clearance and was able to loop an overhead kick into the net to seal a famous win.
Ronaldinho vs Villarreal
Ronaldinho was known for his individual brilliance. During his time at Barcelona, he scored plenty of memorable goals, including a famous one against Chelsea in the Champions League. However, another of the Brazilian’s best came back in 2006 against Villarreal. Ronaldinho exquisitely controlled Xavi’s through ball on his chest and in one movement, swivelled and looped a bicycle kick over the helpless keeper.
Eric Cantona vs Sunderland
One of football’s most iconic goals. Manchester United forward Eric Cantona beat two players before leaving the keeper with no chance with an audacious lob. The celebration was perhaps more iconic than the goal, with the Frenchman slowly turning around to take in the Old Trafford atmosphere.
George Weah vs Verona
Powerful striker George Weah scored a memorable goal for AC Milan back in 1996. He ran the length of the pitch, took on three defenders and coolly slotted the ball home past the keeper.
Dennis Bergkamp vs Newcastle
Bergkamp’s brilliant goal against Newcastle in 2002 is regarded as one of Arsenal’s best. The Dutch forward left St James’ Park stunned after he turned the defender inside out with one touch and slotted past the keeper.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Portsmouth
Still plying his trade as one of the greatest in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored some outrageous goals during a prolific career. One of his best came for Manchester United against Portsmouth in 2008. The Portuguese star fired in a thunderous free-kick from 30 yards, with the effort labelled as one of the best the Premier League has ever seen.
Thierry Henry vs Manchester United
In terms of technique, Thierry Henry’s effort against Manchester United back in 2000 is certainly one of the best. The French forward, with his back to goal, flicked the ball up, swivelled and caught Manchester United keeper Fabien Barthez off guard with a remarkable volley from outside the area.
Roberto Carlos vs France
Dead-ball specialist Roberto Carlos produced a piece of brilliance back in 1997 which left everyone in football shocked. The full-back struck a free-kick from 40 yards out with the outside of his boot, bending an effort around the wall and into the net in the Tournoi de France tournament.
Steven Gerrard vs West Ham
In one of the most dramatic FA Cup finals of all time, Steven Gerrard produced one of the greatest goals under pressure. The Reds legend produced a stunning volley from 30 yards out in injury time to send the game to extra time, with Liverpool eventually winning on penalties.
Lionel Messi vs Getafe
Arguably the greatest to ever grace the pitch, Barcelona’s Lionel Messi produced one of the best goals ever seen back in 2007 against Getafe. The Argentine picked the ball up in his own half, danced past four defenders before rounding the keeper and lifting the ball into the net at the Camp Nou.
Zinedine Zidane vs Bayer Leverkusen
Technically one of the most gifted players of all time, midfielder Zinedine Zidane showcased his talents on the biggest stage of domestic football. The French midfielder watched a looping cross come in and exquisitely adjusted his body to strike a volley into the top corner, winning Madrid the Champions League in the process.
Gareth Bale vs Liverpool
Another spectacular effort for Real Madrid in a Champions League final, Gareth Bale produced an outstanding bicycle kick against Liverpool in 2018. The Welshman acrobatically fired his strike into the top corner, leaving Reds keeper Loris Karius with no chance.
Marco van Basten vs USSR
In the final of the 1998 European Championships, Marco van Basten produced one of the best volleys of all time. The Dutchman, from an unlikely angle, fired a thunderous volley across goal and into the far corner in a blink of an eye, which sealed a 2-0 win for the Netherlands.
Maxi Rodriguez vs Mexico
Maxi Rodriguez produced another outstanding volley in the 2006 World Cup. The Argentine controlled a cross-field pass on his chest before firing in a powerful volley into the top left corner to guide his country into the last eight of the World Cup.
Carlos Alberto vs Italy
Brazil scored a fine team goal against Italy in the 1970 World Cup final. After a sweeping move, Carlos Alberto popped up at the edge of the area and struck a powerful effort into the far corner to seal the win.
Diego Maradona vs England
Diego Maradona’s solo run against England has been described as the best individual goal scored in the history of the game. The Argentine, who also controversially netted with his hand four minutes earlier, went on a 60-yard dribble, taking on four England defender before calmly slotting the ball past keeper Peter Shilton.
Wayne Rooney vs Newcastle
One of Wayne Rooney’s best goals came against Newcastle United back in 2005. The Englishman met a headed clearance at full speed and unleashed a breathtaking volley into the top corner which left Old Trafford stunned.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs NAC Breda
The only player to make the list twice is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Before his audacious overhead kick, the Swede scored an unbelievable solo goal for Ajax. In 2004, the youngster took on five players, twisting and turning, fooling the goalkeeper with a fake shot before slotting the ball into an empty net.
Clarence Seedorf vs Atletico Madrid
Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf caught everyone off guard in 1997 with a thunderous long-range strike. Seedorf edged his way into the opposition half and from nowhere, launched an effort from 45 yards out over the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper and into the top corner.
David Beckham vs Wimbledon
On the opening day of the 1996/97 Premier League campaign, David Beckham put an early contender down for goal of the season. The Englishman picked up the ball inside his own half before floating an effort over the Wimbledon goalkeeper to make it 3-0 to Manchester United.