The Most Beautiful Goal Ever Scored, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the goal you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 6, 2024 06:23
Picture a heated soccer match, where tensions are high and the crowd is roaring. Amidst the chaos, a striker makes a spectacular move and scores a goal that leaves spectators stunned and replaying the moment for days. Such incredible feats deserve recognition, and ranking these moments helps celebrate the brilliance of players and their unforgettable contributions to the sport.
By casting a vote for the most beautiful goal, fans participate in lifting up and commemorating the skills of their favorite athletes. This list not only stirs up exciting debates among enthusiasts but also serves as an ode to historical soccer moments. Your votes contribute to a dynamic tally where old legends and new stars compete for the top spot, helping ensure that each unforgettable goal gets the spotlight it deserves.
What Is the Most Beautiful Goal Ever Scored?
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148votes
Diego Maradona's "Goal of the Century" in 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England
Diego MaradonaThis goal is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in the history of football, as Maradona dribbled past five players before scoring.Diego Maradona's 'Goal of the Century' refers to a spectacular goal scored by Diego Maradona during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England. This goal is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored in the history of football.- Match: 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England
- Goal Type: Individual
- Scoring Moment: 54th minute
- Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
- Play Description: Maradona dribbled past five English players, including the goalkeeper, while displaying exceptional skill and control.
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233votes
Zinedine Zidane's volley in the 2002 Champions League final
Zinedine ZidaneZidane's stunning volley in the final against Bayer Leverkusen is considered one of the most beautiful goals ever scored in a Champions League final.Zinedine Zidane's volley in the 2002 Champions League final is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored in football. It happened during the match between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen on May 15, 2002, at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. In the 45th minute of the game, an aerial ball was looped into the Leverkusen penalty area. Zidane, positioned just outside the box, took the ball on the bounce with his weaker foot (left foot) and struck a stunning first-time volley that flew into the top corner of the net. The goal showcased Zidane's exceptional technique, timing, and precision, leaving fans and experts alike in awe.- Date: May 15, 2002
- Location: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
- Match: Real Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen
- Goal Type: Volley
- Foot: Left foot (weaker foot)
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329votes
Lionel Messi's solo goal against Getafe in 2007
Lionel MessiMessi's goal against Getafe is often compared to Maradona's "Goal of the Century" as he dribbled past six players before scoring.Lionel Messi's solo goal against Getafe in 2007 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored. Messi picked up the ball near the halfway line and embarked on a breathtaking solo run, dribbling past multiple Getafe players with incredible close control and speed. He weaved through the opposition defenders, leaving them in his wake, before calmly slotting the ball into the net to complete the mesmerizing goal.- Date: 18th April 2007
- Competitions: Copa del Rey
- Stadium: Camp Nou
- Team: Barcelona
- Opponent: Getafe
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412votes
Marco van Basten's volley in the 1988 European Championship final
Marco van BastenVan Basten's goal in the final against the Soviet Union is considered one of the best goals in the history of the European Championship.Marco van Basten's volley in the 1988 European Championship final is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored in football. It was an extraordinary display of skill, technique, and precision. Van Basten received a cross from Arnold Mühren with his back to the goal, and without a moment's hesitation, he unleashed a powerful and perfectly timed volley from an acute angle, sending the ball soaring into the far corner of the net. The goal was a stunning combination of athleticism, instinct, and sheer brilliance.- Competition: 1988 European Championship final
- Scorer: Marco van Basten
- Type of goal: Volley
- Assist: Arnold Mühren
- Body position: Back to the goal
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520votesRonaldo's goal against Compostela is considered one of the greatest solo goals in the history of La Liga.Ronaldo's solo goal against Compostela in 1996 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored. It showcased Ronaldo's exceptional dribbling skills and speed as he single-handedly weaved through the opposition's defense before calmly slotting the ball into the net.
- Date: 1996
- Opponent: Compostela
- Type of goal: Solo effort
- Dribbles: Multiple
- Distance Covered: Approximately 60 yards
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614votes
Dennis Bergkamp's goal against Argentina in 1998 World Cup
Dennis BergkampBergkamp's goal against Argentina is considered one of the most beautiful goals in the history of the World Cup.Dennis Bergkamp's goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored. It was a stunning display of skill, control, and precision that left fans and commentators in awe.- Competition: 1998 FIFA World Cup
- Match: Netherlands vs Argentina (Quarter-Finals)
- Date: July 4, 1998
- Location: Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France
- Goalkeeper: Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa
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74votes
Roberto Carlos' free-kick against France in 1997
Roberto CarlosCarlos' free-kick against France is considered one of the greatest free-kicks ever scored.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
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82votes
George Weah's solo goal against Verona in 1996
George WeahWeah's goal against Verona is considered one of the greatest solo goals in the history of Serie A.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
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911votesRonaldinho's free-kick against England is considered one of the most beautiful free-kicks ever scored.Ronaldinho's free-kick against England in the 2002 World Cup is considered one of the most beautiful goals ever scored. In the quarter-final match between Brazil and England, Ronaldinho executed an incredible free-kick from a long distance that left the English goalkeeper stranded and found the back of the net.
- Event: 2002 World Cup
- Match: Quarter-final: Brazil vs England
- Goal Type: Free-kick
- Distance: Long-range
- Outcome: Scored
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103votes
Saeed Al-Owairan's solo goal against Belgium in 1994 World Cup
Saeed Al-OwairanAl-Owairan's goal against Belgium is considered one of the greatest solo goals in the history of the World Cup.Saeed Al-Owairan's solo goal against Belgium in the 1994 World Cup is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful goals ever scored. The goal displayed an impressive display of skill, speed, and determination by Al-Owairan as he dribbled past multiple Belgian players before slotting the ball into the net.- Event: 1994 World Cup
- Opponent: Belgium
- Type of Goal: Solo goal
- Skills Displayed: Dribbling, speed, determination
- Number of Players Dribbled Past: 4
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Ranking factors for beautiful goal
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Technical skillThe level of skill and finesse demonstrated by the player while executing the goal is a critical factor. This includes dribbling skills, precise timing, and the ability to outmaneuver opponents.
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CreativityA beautiful goal should showcase the player's imagination and creativity, such as inventive tricks, flicks, or unique ways to get past defenders and score.
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DifficultyThe goal should involve overcoming challenging obstacles, such as multiple defenders or a challenging angle. The more difficult the goal is to perform, the more impressive it is when executed successfully.
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TeamworkGoals that involve intricate passing, intelligent movement, and superb teamwork are generally considered more beautiful than individual efforts.
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Goalkeeper qualityBeating a world-class goalkeeper adds prestige to the goal, making it more noteworthy and impressive.
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Significance of the momentThe context of the goal is essential. Scoring a decisive goal in a crucial match or a high-stakes tournament adds value to the beauty of the goal, making it more memorable and legendary.
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Aesthetic appealThe visual impact of the goal, such as a long-range strike, an acrobatic volley, or an elegant curved shot, can make a goal more aesthetically pleasing and considered beautiful.
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Surprise factorA goal that catches opponents and spectators off-guard with an unexpected move or technique can add to its beauty and memorability.
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Build-up playA goal involving exceptional build-up play, including fluid passing, smart off-the-ball movement, and perfect coordination, can elevate the beauty of the goal.
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Emotional impactA goal that stirs emotions, whether it's through a thrilling last-minute winner, an underdog triumph, or a historical milestone, will be remembered as a beautiful goal.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful goal ever scored. 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
- 2104 views
- 167 votes
- 10 ranked items
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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 ever scored
Football is a sport that is loved and cherished by millions of people across the globe. One of the most thrilling aspects of the game is the moment when a player scores a goal. It is a moment of pure joy, not only for the player but also for the fans who get to witness it. Over the years, there have been thousands of goals scored, but some stand out as true masterpieces. These goals are not just about the scoreline, but also about the skill, technique, and beauty involved in their execution. In this article, we will explore some of the most beautiful goals ever scored and try to understand what makes them so special.
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