Football is always fascinating because of its drama and close matches. In particular, nothing demonstrates this more clearly than the last-minute goals, when pressure and tension are at their peak. These moments not only decide the cup, title or glory but also symbolize the spirit of determination and extraordinary effort. Although this list cannot cover all memorable moments, throughout the more than 200 years of history of the king sport, those goals are still engraved in the hearts of fans. Here are the 10 best last minute goals in football history compiled by Win Betting Tips - the goals that have contributed to writing football legends.
Top 10 Greatest Last Minute Goals in History
10. Nacer Chadli: Belgium 3-2 Japan (2018 World Cup – Round of 16)
Let's go back to the summer of 2018, when the FIFA World Cup was in full swing. In the round of 16 match in Rostov, Japan faced Belgium in a dramatic encounter. Although Belgium were rated higher, the Samurai Blue surprised the world by scoring twice in the second half, putting the Red Devils under great pressure and turning all predictions upside down.
However, Japan's advantage did not last long. Jan Vertonghen opened up a glimmer of hope for Belgium with an excellent header, before Marouane Fellaini equalized. Although Japan played more impressively and created many chances, they could not take advantage of them in the final third. Just when everyone thought the match would go into extra time, Belgium launched a sharp counter-attack. In the decisive moment, Romelu Lukaku wisely let the ball slip through, allowing Nacer Chadli to run in and finish delicately, ending a memorable comeback.
9. Ben Watson: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City (2013 FA Cup Final)
The 2012/13 season ended with an emotional FA Cup final, with Manchester City continuing their title challenge. Having been overtaken by Manchester United in the Premier League title race and surprisingly beaten by Aston Villa in the EFL Cup final, City were desperate for a trophy to salvage their season. However, their opponents, Wigan Athletic, a small club, proved to be an unlikely obstacle that few expected to cause an upset.
Wigan played bravely throughout the 90 minutes, creating chances and causing problems for City, especially when Roberto Mancini's side were down to 10 men. The score was still 0-0 as the game entered stoppage time, but that all changed after Shaun Maloney's corner. Ben Watson leaped high and flicked the ball beyond Joe Hart, silencing Wembley for a moment before the 80,000-strong crowd erupted. The strike not only ended Wigan Athletic’s 81-year trophy drought but also cemented their place in football history, despite being relegated from the Premier League that season.
8. Fabio Grosso: Italy 1-0 Germany (2006 FIFA World Cup – semi-finals)
The 2006 World Cup final was one of the most memorable moments in football history, but the semi-finals were no less dramatic. The match between Italy and Germany thrilled the fans at Dortmund Stadium. Italy, with their characteristically solid defensive style, faced the home team and strong candidate for the championship. Throughout the official 90 minutes, the Azzurri's defense held their goal tight against the relentless pressure from Germany, forcing the match into extra time in a stalemate.
Just when everything seemed to be decided by a penalty shootout, Italy suddenly exploded. An unimpressive corner kick was cleared by Germany, but the ball found its way to Andrea Pirlo. With composure and tactical genius, Pirlo passed the ball precisely to Fabio Grosso, who unleashed a perfect curling shot into the German net, opening the score at 1-0. Not stopping there, Alessandro Del Piero finished the match with an exemplary counter-attack, sealing a 2-0 victory and sending Italy straight into the final. A memorable night with moments etched into football history.
7. Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (2013/14 Champions League Final)
With ambitions to conquer La Decima, Real Madrid entered the 2013/14 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid, their city rivals. Atletico, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, had an excellent season, winning La Liga and were on their way to a historic double. In the final, Atleti took the lead early in the 36th minute and deployed their typical defensive style of play, building a "bus" in front of the goal. Although Real Madrid continued to attack, Los Rojiblancos' defense remained steadfast, making all of Los Blancos' efforts fall into a deadlock.
As the match entered the 94th minute of added time, it seemed that victory was certain for Atletico, Real Madrid were awarded the final corner kick. Sergio Ramos jumped like a god, headed the ball into the net, causing the stadium to explode and the match to go into extra time. Spirits were high, Real Madrid scored three more goals in the next 30 minutes, completing a 4-1 victory to officially win La Decima, marking one of the most impressive comebacks in Champions League history.
6. Arjen Robben: Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich (2012/13 Champions League Final)
The 2012/13 season saw Borussia Dortmund emerge as Bayern Munich's fiercest rivals, having won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double the previous season. However, Bayern bounced back strongly, reclaiming both titles from Dortmund. Despite finishing second in both domestic competitions, Dortmund still had a chance to make history by reaching the Champions League final, where they would face Bayern Munich again. With a strong fighting spirit, Jürgen Klopp's side dominated the game, constantly applying pressure and creating chances.
The match became more dramatic in the second half when Mario Mandžukić put Bayern ahead, but Ilkay Gündogan quickly equalised from the penalty spot. As time ticked down, both teams looked set for extra time. But in the 89th minute, Franck Ribéry unexpectedly performed a delicate backheel for Arjen Robben to run through. With skillful technique, Robben evaded the tired defense and scored the decisive goal, bringing a 2-1 victory to Bayern. A heartbreaking moment for Dortmund and a glorious moment for Bayern in an impressive season.
5. Troy Deeney: Watford 3-2 (ag) Leicester City (2012/13 Championship Play-off semi-final second leg)
The Championship Play-off semi-final between Watford and Leicester City produced one of the most memorable moments in English football history. Watford led 2-1 from the second leg, and Leicester's 1-0 win in the first leg sent the game into extra time with the clock at 95. With the score level at 2-2 on aggregate, Leicester were awarded the decisive penalty. Anthony Knockaert, who had the chance to send Leicester into the final, stepped up and the Vicarage Road stadium fell silent for a tense moment. He took the shot, but Manuel Almunia made a brilliant save. Knockaert rushed to catch the rebound, but Almunia was again brilliant in his save.
Watford then seized the opportunity, counter-attacking quickly and delivering a perfect pass. Hogg's header allowed Troy Deeney to break through the Leicester defence. Deeney raced in and slotted the ball into the net, sending Watford into the final as the home crowd roared. In just 19 seconds from the missed penalty to the winning goal, Watford had created a legend.
4. Andres Iniesta: Spain 1-0 Netherlands (2010 FIFA World Cup Final)
The 2010 World Cup final saw Spain take on the biggest game on the planet for the first time in their history, with their golden generation taking on a resilient Netherlands side led by Bert van Marwijk. On their way to the deciding match, the Netherlands overcame strong opponents such as Uruguay and Brazil, while Spain beat Paraguay and Germany. Despite both teams creating plenty of shots, the match remained scoreless after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.
As time ran out in the second period of extra time, Spain pressed for one last chance. A ball from behind found Fernando Torres. His pass was blocked but the ball found Cesc Fabregas, who quickly pushed the ball into the box for Andres Iniesta. With just a neat control with his right foot, Iniesta fired a decisive shot, sending the ball beyond the reach of Maarten Stekelenburg, bringing a 1-0 victory. That moment not only helped Spain win the World Cup but also forever engraved Iniesta's name in football history.
3. Michael Thomas: Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool (1988/89 Championship Final)
The 1988/89 English football season was extended by several months due to the Hillsborough disaster, which meant that the decisive match between Liverpool and Arsenal had to be postponed until after the FA Cup final. Liverpool had fought hard to win the FA Cup, but went into the game with a three-point lead against Arsenal. That meant Arsenal needed to win and win by at least two goals to win the title.
History seemed to be against Arsenal, with Liverpool having not lost by two goals or more at Anfield for three years, and the Gunners having not won at the ground for 15 years. However, hope was revived when Alan Smith scored in the 52nd minute to reduce the deficit to one goal. Liverpool held on, though, with less than two minutes remaining. A long, precise pass was played forward, Smith fired into space, and the ball fell to Michael Thomas, who pounced on it to score the winner, rounding Steve Nicol and beating the Liverpool goalkeeper. That moment gave Arsenal a historic 2-0 victory and secured them the title, capping off one of the most dramatic and memorable matches in English football history.
2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham: Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (1998/99 Champions League Final)
Both Bayern Munich and Manchester United went into the 1999 Champions League final aiming to complete the treble, having already won the domestic league and cup double. Bayern Munich took the lead in the sixth minute, which seemed to have ended Manchester United's hopes early on. However, the Red Devils refused to give up and although Bayern maintained their lead, the game remained tense.
In the 90th minute, with the game seemingly settled, Manchester United were awarded a corner. David Beckham took the kick, which fell to Dwight Yorke but was cleared, and Ryan Giggs was quick to cross it back into the box. The ball did not go straight into the net, but Teddy Sheringham, always in the right place, finished neatly to level the scores at 1-1 in extra time. The game continued, but after just 30 seconds, Beckham had another chance to take a corner. This time, Sheringham's header was weak but enough to send the ball flying over the goal, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was there at the right moment to toe the ball into the net for a perfect finish. Manchester United won 2-1, completing a historic treble, and the moment will forever be remembered in football history.
1. Sergio Aguero: Manchester City 3-2 QPR (2011/12 Premier League Final)
The 2011/12 season was one of the most dramatic in Premier League history, with both Manchester United and Manchester City level on points going into the final round, with City having the better goal difference. That made the Manchester City-QPR clash a title decider, with Manchester United having done their job with a 1-0 win over Sunderland and hoping for a slip-up from their opponents.
The game at the Etihad Stadium was a nail-biter, and with QPR 2-1 up, City fans were starting to worry. However, things changed in stoppage time. While Manchester United fans were celebrating, thinking they had won the title, Edin Dzeko equalised for City in the 92nd minute, giving the Blues hope. But the real magic came just two minutes later, when Mario Balotelli played a delicate pass to Sergio Agüero. The Argentine burst into the box and finished decisively, scoring a historic goal to give Manchester City a 3-2 win. With this victory, City lifted their first Premier League title in more than 40 years, capping off one of the most dramatic endings in the competition's history.
Conclusion
Last-minute goals are the essence of football, delivering powerful emotions and unforgettable surprises. From Sergio Agüero’s legendary strike that won Manchester City the Premier League in 2011/12, to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s historic finish in the 1999 Champions League final, each moment is etched in the hearts of fans. These goals are not just goals, but symbols of hope, determination and willpower, proving the magic of football, where everything can change in the final seconds.
