The Top 20 Greatest Football Goals of All Time
A countdown of the most iconic, technically brilliant, and emotionally charged goals in the history of the beautiful game. From thunderous volleys to gravity-defying bicycle kicks, these are the goals that defined eras and inspired generations.
20. Tony Yeboah – Leeds United vs. Wimbledon (1995)
Title: Thunderbolt Volley
Description: A ballistic strike that cannoned off the bar and bounced in. Pure power, pure theatre.
19. Zlatan Ibrahimović – Sweden vs. England (2012)
Title: The Zlatan Lob
Description: A 40-yard bicycle kick over Joe Hart. Arrogance, imagination, and execution all in one impossible moment.
18. Saúl Ñíguez – Atlético Madrid vs. Bayern Munich (2016)
Title: Courage in the Clutch
Description: A mazy solo run through elite defenders, finished with an unstoppable left-footed strike.
17. Eric Cantona – Manchester United vs. Sunderland (1996)
Title: King’s Chip
Description: A nonchalant chip from outside the box followed by the most iconic shrug in Premier League history.
16. Rivaldo – Barcelona vs. Valencia (2001)
Title: Last-Second Bicycle Brilliance
Description: Hat-trick completed by a last-minute overhead kick to secure Champions League qualification.
15. David Beckham – Manchester United vs. Wimbledon (1996)
Title: Halfway-Line Marvel
Description: A 57-yard lob from inside his own half that stunned the world and launched Beckham's global stardom.
14. Gareth Bale – Real Madrid vs. Liverpool (2018 UCL Final)
Title: Dream Overhead
Description: A jaw-dropping overhead kick on the biggest stage. Substitution to superstardom.
13. Carlos Alberto – Brazil vs. Italy (1970 World Cup Final)
Title: Joga Bonito Climax
Description: Brazil’s flowing masterpiece ends with a thunderbolt from the captain, finishing an iconic team move.
12. Andrés Iniesta – Spain vs. Netherlands (2010 WC Final)
Title: The Golden Strike
Description: An extra-time finish to deliver Spain its first World Cup. Class and composure.
11. Thierry Henry – Arsenal vs. Manchester United (2000)
Title: Ballet in Red & White
Description: Flick, turn, and volley into the top corner. Poetry in motion.
10. Ronaldinho – Barcelona vs. Real Madrid (2005)
Title: Bernabéu Brilliance
Description: Danced through Galácticos and earned a standing ovation from the enemy crowd.
9. Roberto Carlos – Brazil vs. France (1997)
Title: Banana Physics
Description: A 35-yard free-kick that curved around the wall and shocked the world.
8. Dennis Bergkamp – Netherlands vs. Argentina (1998 WC)
Title: Clinic in Control
Description: Feather-light touch, turn, and cool outside-foot finish in the 90th minute.
7. George Weah – AC Milan vs. Verona (1996)
Title: Box-to-Box Brilliance
Description: From his own penalty box to the opponent’s net in one run. Power, poise, and pace.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid vs. Juventus (2018 UCL QF)
Title: Turin’s Aerial Wonder
Description: A bicycle kick of rare athleticism and timing. Even Juventus fans applauded.
5. Marco van Basten – Netherlands vs. USSR (1988 Euro Final)
Title: Miracle Volley
Description: From an impossible angle, a perfect volley across goal. As pure a strike as you’ll ever see.
4. Lionel Messi – Barcelona vs. Getafe (2007 Copa del Rey)
Title: Mini-Maradona
Description: A carbon copy of Diego’s 1986 stunner. Six defenders beaten in one seamless solo run.
3. Zinedine Zidane – Real Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen (2002 UCL Final)
Title: Left-Foot Zenith
Description: A looping cross meets a left-footed volley. Timed perfectly on Europe’s biggest stage.
2. Diego Maradona – Argentina vs. England (1986 WC)
Title: Hand of God
Description: The most controversial goal in football history—a cunning punch that left England stunned and the world divided.
1. Diego Maradona – Argentina vs. England (1986 WC)
Title: Goal of the Century
Description: 60 yards, five Englishmen, one keeper, and a finish that still defies explanation. Football’s most iconic goal.