The Most Beautiful Goal, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the goal you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 24, 2024 06:23

Goals in sports are moments that resonate with fans long after the games are over, often celebrated for their beauty, precision, and the skill executed. They fuel spirited debates among fans and analysts alike, who argue about the technique, the context, and the overall brilliance of these unforgettable moments. By casting your vote on what you believe is the most beautiful goal, you contribute to a collective judgment that defines standout moments in sports history. This interactive process not only allows you to engage actively but also connects you with other enthusiasts who share your passion. Your participation shapes the crescendo of opinions, ultimately determining which goals are celebrated as the most aesthetically pleasing.

What Is the Most Beautiful Goal?

1

73
votes
Diego Maradona's "Goal of the Century" (1986)

Diego Maradona

This goal is often regarded as one of the greatest goals in the history of football. Maradona dribbled past five England players before scoring.
Diego Maradona's "Goal of the Century" is a breathtaking goal scored during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England. Maradona received the ball near the halfway line and dribbled past five English players, showcasing his exceptional skill, speed, and agility. He effortlessly weaved through the opposition, leaving everyone in awe, and ultimately slotted the ball into the net to secure the goal.

Year: 1986

Competition: FIFA World Cup

Match: Argentina vs. England

Stage: Quarter-final

Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
2

25
votes
Lionel Messi's solo goal against Getafe (2007)

Lionel Messi

Messi dribbled past five Getafe players before scoring, reminiscent of Maradona's "Goal of the Century."
Lionel Messi's solo goal against Getafe in 2007 is considered one of the most beautiful goals in football history. It showcases Messi's exceptional dribbling skills and ability to make his way through multiple defenders with ease.

Date: April 18, 2007

Opponent: Getafe

Competition: Copa del Rey

Stadium: Camp Nou

Goal Distance: Approximately 60 yards
3

22
votes
Zinedine Zidane's volley in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final

Zinedine Zidane

Zidane scored a spectacular volley to help Real Madrid win the final.
Zinedine Zidane's volley in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final is widely considered one of the most beautiful goals in football history. The goal was scored by Zidane, a legendary French midfielder, during the final match of the 2001-2002 UEFA Champions League season between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. With a scoreline of 1-1 in the 45th minute, Zidane executed an exquisite left-footed volley from just outside the penalty area, connecting perfectly with the floated cross from Roberto Carlos. The ball flew into the top corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper no chance to save, and ultimately helped Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory and their ninth Champions League title.

Date: May 15, 2002

Competition: UEFA Champions League

Match: 2002 UEFA Champions League Final

Teams: Real Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen

Stadium: Hampden Park, Glasgow
4

18
votes
Marco van Basten's volley in the 1988 UEFA European Championship Final

Marco van Basten

Van Basten scored a stunning volley from an acute angle to help the Netherlands win the final.
Marco van Basten's volley in the 1988 UEFA European Championship Final is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals in football history. It was scored by Dutch forward Marco van Basten in the final match of the 1988 UEFA European Championship, held in West Germany. The goal occurred in the 54th minute of the game and contributed to the Netherlands' 2-0 victory over the Soviet Union.

Goal Type: Volley

Event: 1988 UEFA European Championship Final

Location: Munich, West Germany

Scorer: Marco van Basten

Time: 54th minute
5

19
votes
Carlos Alberto's goal in the 1970 FIFA World Cup Final

Carlos Alberto Torres

Alberto scored a powerful shot from outside the box to help Brazil win the final.
Carlos Alberto's goal in the 1970 FIFA World Cup Final is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals in the history of football. It occurred on June 21, 1970, during the final match between Brazil and Italy. The goal was a perfect team play that showcased Brazil's attacking prowess and skill.

Date: June 21, 1970

Match: 1970 FIFA World Cup Final

Teams: Brazil vs. Italy

Scorer: Carlos Alberto Torres

Goal Type: Team Goal
6

10
votes
Dennis Bergkamp's goal against Argentina in the 1998 FIFA World Cup

Dennis Bergkamp

Bergkamp controlled a long ball before scoring with a sublime finish.
Dennis Bergkamp's goal against Argentina in the 1998 FIFA World Cup is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals in the history of the tournament. The goal occurred in the quarter-final match between the Netherlands and Argentina on July 4, 1998. It played a crucial role in securing the Netherlands' victory and advancing them to the semi-finals.

Goal type: Spectacular solo goal

Goal scorer: Dennis Bergkamp

Match: Quarter-final - Netherlands vs Argentina

Tournament: 1998 FIFA World Cup

Date: July 4, 1998
7

3
votes
Roberto Carlos' free-kick against France in 1997

Roberto Carlos

Carlos scored a stunning free-kick from an improbable angle.
Roberto Carlos' free-kick against France in 1997 is considered one of the most beautiful goals ever scored in football history. The goal was scored during a friendly match between Brazil and France on June 3, 1997, in the Tournoi de France tournament.

Date: June 3, 1997

Tournament: Tournoi de France

Teams: Brazil vs France

Location: Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France

Distance: Around 35 meters
Roberto Carlos' free-kick against France in 1997 in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful goal ever scored
8

7
votes
George Weah's solo goal against Verona in 1996

George Weah

Weah dribbled past several Verona players before scoring from distance.
George Weah's solo goal against Verona in 1996 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored. It showcased Weah's exceptional skill, speed, and ball control, as he single-handedly dribbled past multiple Verona players and showed incredible composure to calmly slot the ball into the net.

Year: 1996

Opponent: Verona

Type of goal: Solo goal

Player's name: George Weah

Skill displayed: Exceptional skill, speed, and ball control
George Weah's solo goal against Verona in 1996 in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful goal ever scored
9

3
votes
Wayne Rooney's overhead kick against Manchester City in 2011

Wayne Rooney

Rooney scored a spectacular overhead kick to win the Manchester derby.
Wayne Rooney's overhead kick against Manchester City in 2011 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals in football history. The goal took place on February 12, 2011, during a Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City. In the 78th minute of the game, a cross was delivered into the Manchester City penalty area from the right-wing. Rooney positioned himself near the penalty spot and executed a stunning bicycle kick, connecting perfectly with the ball and sending it into the top corner of the net. The goal was Rooney's 11th league goal of the season and ultimately secured a crucial 2-1 victory for Manchester United.

Date: February 12, 2011

Competition: Premier League

Teams: Manchester United vs. Manchester City

Minute: 78th

Type of goal: Overhead kick (bicycle kick)
10

8
votes
Johan Cruyff's goal against Atletico Madrid in 1973

Johan Cruyff

Cruyff scored a brilliant goal after a series of one-touch passes with his teammates.
In a match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in 1973, Johan Cruyff scored a remarkable goal that is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals in football history. The goal showcased Cruyff's exceptional skill, agility, and creativity.

Date: 1973

Teams: Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Location: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain

Playing Position: Forward

Technique: Cruyff Turn

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Ranking factors for beautiful goal

Technique

The skill and ability demonstrated by the player while executing the goal, such as a powerful volley, a well-placed free-kick, or an acrobatic bicycle kick.
Teamwork and build-up play

The quality of the passing and movement leading up to the goal, highlighting the team's coordination and understanding on the field.
Difficulty

How challenging it was for the player to score the goal, considering factors such as the distance from the goal, the angle, and the position of the defenders and goalkeeper.
Importance of the goal

The significance of the goal in the context of the game or competition, such as a last-minute winner, or a goal in a crucial match or tournament.
Creativity and unpredictability

The originality and innovation shown by the player in creating and executing the goal, catching the opposition off-guard.
Opposition quality

The level of the opposing team, as scoring against a stronger or more renowned opponent can increase the perceived beauty of the goal.
Aesthetics

The visual appeal of the goal, including the player's body movement and the trajectory of the ball.
Emotional aspect

The emotions and feelings that the goal evokes in the viewer, such as excitement or awe.
Relevance to the player's style

How well the goal represents the player's unique skills and qualities, showcasing their signature moves or abilities.
Historical context

The lasting impact and legacy of the goal, factoring in its influence on future games, players, or tactics.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful goal. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or goal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2174 views
188 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Diego Maradona's "Goal of the Century"
Lionel Messi's solo goal against Getafe
Dennis Bergkamp's goal against Argentina in the 1998 FIFA World Cup
Johan Cruyff's goal against Atletico Madrid in 1973

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each goal once every 24 hours. The rank of each goal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful goal

Football is not just a sport, it's a passion that unites millions of fans around the world. And what better way to celebrate this beautiful game than by admiring some of the most breathtaking goals scored in its history? From solo runs to team efforts, from long-range screamers to delicate chips, every goal has its own unique beauty that captures the imagination of football lovers everywhere. Whether it's the technical skill involved, the context of the game, or the sheer joy of watching the ball hit the back of the net, there's always something special about a truly beautiful goal. So, let's dive into the world of football and explore some of the most beautiful goals ever scored!