Football has always been fascinating due to its drama and closely contested matches. Nothing illustrates this better than last-minute goals, where pressure and tension reach their peak. These moments not only decide the cup, the title, or glory but also symbolize the spirit of determination and extraordinary effort. While this list cannot encompass all memorable moments, throughout more than 200 years of football's history as the king of sports, these goals remain 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 us revisit the summer of 2018 when the FIFA World Cup was in full swing. In the Round of 16 match held in Rostov, Japan clashed with Belgium in a dramatic encounter. Although Belgium was rated as the stronger team, the Samurai Blue shocked the world by scoring twice in the second half. This placed immense pressure on the Red Devils, completely overturning all pre-match predictions.
However, Japan's advantage did not last long. Jan Vertonghen sparked hope for Belgium with an excellent header before Marouane Fellaini equalized. Although Japan played more impressively and created many chances, they could not capitalize on their opportunities in the attacking third. 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 score with precision, sealing 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, where Manchester City aimed to secure a much-needed trophy. Manchester City had been overtaken by Manchester United in the Premier League title race and surprisingly beaten by Aston Villa in the EFL Cup final. As a result, they were desperate for a trophy to salvage their season. However, their opponents, Wigan Athletic, a small club, turned out to be an unexpected obstacle capable of causing an upset.
Wigan demonstrated incredible bravery throughout the 90 minutes, creating numerous chances and consistently troubling Manchester City, especially after Roberto Mancini's side was reduced to 10 men. The score remained 0-0 as the game moved into stoppage time, but everything changed following Shaun Maloney's corner. Ben Watson rose high and expertly flicked the ball past Joe Hart, momentarily silencing Wembley before an eruption of cheers from the 80,000-strong crowd. That decisive strike not only ended Wigan Athletic’s 81-year wait for a trophy but also secured their place in football history, even though they faced relegation from the Premier League that same season.
8. Fabio Grosso: Italy 1-0 Germany (2006 FIFA World Cup – semi-finals)
The 2006 World Cup final is remembered as one of football’s most iconic moments, but the semi-finals were equally dramatic. The clash between Italy and Germany captivated fans at Dortmund Stadium. Italy, known for their trademark solid defensive style, faced the home team, a strong contender for the championship title. For the full 90 minutes, the Azzurri's defense held firm against relentless German attacks, keeping their goal secure and forcing the match into a tense extra time stalemate.
Just when everything seemed to be decided by a penalty shootout, Italy burst into celebration. A seemingly unthreatening 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, breaking the deadlock at 1-0. Not stopping there, Alessandro Del Piero capitalized on an exemplary counter-attack, sealing a 2-0 victory and sending Italy straight into the final. It was 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 being on their way to a historic double. In the final, Atleti took the lead as early as 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, rendering all of Los Blancos' efforts fruitless.
As the match entered the 94th minute of added time, it seemed certain that Atletico Madrid would claim victory. However, Real Madrid was awarded one last corner kick. Sergio Ramos leaped majestically and headed the ball into the net, sending the stadium into a frenzy and pushing the match into extra time. With spirits soaring, Real Madrid capitalized on their momentum, scoring three more goals in the following 30 minutes. They secured a stunning 4-1 victory and officially claimed La Decima, marking one of the most remarkable comebacks in Champions League history.
6. Arjen Robben: Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich (2012/13 Champions League Final)
The 2012/13 season witnessed Borussia Dortmund rise as Bayern Munich's fiercest rivals, having secured the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double in the previous season. However, Bayern responded emphatically, reclaiming both titles from Dortmund. Despite finishing second in domestic competitions, Dortmund earned a historic opportunity to shine in the Champions League final, where they faced their arch-rivals once more. Fueled by a strong fighting spirit, Jürgen Klopp's side dominated much of the game, consistently applying pressure and creating opportunities.
The match became more dramatic in the second half when Mario Mandžukić put Bayern ahead, but Ilkay Gündogan equalized shortly after from the penalty spot. As time ticked down rapidly, both teams looked set for extra time. But in the 89th minute, Franck Ribéry unexpectedly executed a delicate backheel for Arjen Robben to run through. With impeccable skill, Robben evaded the exhausted defense and scored the decisive goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Bayern. It was 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, but Leicester's 1-0 win in the first leg pushed the game into added time, with 95 minutes on the clock. 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. The Vicarage Road stadium fell silent for a tense moment. He took the shot, but Manuel Almunia pulled off an outstanding save. Knockaert rushed to catch the rebound, but Almunia once again displayed exceptional reflexes with another save.
Watford then seized the opportunity, counter-attacking quickly and executing a precise pass. Hogg's header set up Troy Deeney, who broke through the Leicester defense. Deeney raced forward and securely slotted the ball into the net, sending Watford into the final amidst the deafening cheers of the home crowd. In just 19 seconds, from a missed penalty to the decisive goal, Watford had etched their name into football folklore.
4. Andres Iniesta: Spain 1-0 Netherlands (2010 FIFA World Cup Final)
The 2010 World Cup final marked Spain's debut on the grandest stage in football, with their golden generation facing a resilient Netherlands team led by Bert van Marwijk. On their path to the final, the Netherlands defeated Uruguay and Brazil, while Spain overcame Paraguay and Germany. Despite both sides attempting numerous shots, the match remained scoreless after 90 minutes, pushing the game into extra time.
As time was about to expire in the second period of extra time, Spain pressed desperately for one last chance. A long pass from the midfield found Fernando Torres. His pass was intercepted, but the ball deflected to Cesc Fabregas, who swiftly threaded it into the box for Andres Iniesta. With a deft touch, Iniesta fired a decisive shot, sending the ball beyond Maarten Stekelenburg and securing a 1-0 victory. That moment not only clinched Spain's World Cup victory but also etched Iniesta's name into 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. As a result, the decisive match between Liverpool and Arsenal was 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. This meant Arsenal needed to win by at least two goals to claim the title.
History seemed to be against Arsenal. Liverpool had not lost by two goals or more at Anfield for three years, and the Gunners had not won there for 15 years. However, hope was reignited when Alan Smith scored in the 52nd minute, reducing the deficit to one goal. Liverpool continued to hold firm with less than two minutes remaining.
A long, precise pass was played forward. The ball was fired into space and landed perfectly for Michael Thomas, who seized the moment. He rounded Steve Nicol and beat the Liverpool goalkeeper, scoring the winner. That iconic moment secured Arsenal a historic 2-0 victory, winning them the title and creating 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 entered the 1999 Champions League final to complete the treble. Each had already won their respective domestic league and cup double.
Bayern Munich took the lead in the sixth minute, appearing to crush Manchester United's hopes early on. However, the Red Devils refused to give up. Although Bayern maintained their lead, the match stayed intensely competitive.
In the 90th minute, with the game appearing all but over, Manchester United were awarded a corner. David Beckham delivered the corner, and the ball fell to Dwight Yorke, but it was cleared. Ryan Giggs quickly sent it back into the box. The ball didn’t find the net directly, but Teddy Sheringham, perfectly positioned, slotted it home to level the scores at 1-1. The game resumed, but within a mere 30 seconds, Beckham had another opportunity to take a corner. This time, Sheringham's header lacked power but deflected perfectly for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who reacted swiftly to toe-poke the ball into the net for a dramatic finish. Manchester United won 2-1, completing a historic treble in a moment etched forever 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. Both Manchester United and Manchester City entered the final round tied on points, with City holding the superior goal difference. This set up the Manchester City-QPR clash as the title decider. Manchester United had secured a 1-0 win over Sunderland and were now relying on a slip-up from their rivals.
The game at the Etihad Stadium was a nail-biter. With QPR leading 2-1, City fans began to worry. However, things changed in stoppage time.
While Manchester United fans were celebrating, thinking they had won the title, Edin Dzeko equalized for City in the 92nd minute. This gave the Blues renewed hope. But the true magic came just two minutes later when Mario Balotelli played a delicate pass to Sergio Agüero. The Argentine burst into the box, finished decisively and scored 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.
The bottom line
In conclusion, the best last minute goals in football history are more than just moments of brilliance; they are the embodiment of the passion, drama, and unpredictability that make football the world's most beloved sport. From Aguero's iconic Premier League-winning strike to Solskjaer's Champions League heroics, these unforgettable goals capture the essence of the game—where hope, determination, and sheer willpower can transform the outcome in the blink of an eye. Such moments are what makes football so exhilarating, ensuring it remains a timeless source of excitement and joy for fans around the world.
