Football has produced countless stunning goals, but only a few stand out as nearly impossible to score. These goals require exceptional technique, skill, and sometimes a touch of magic. Whether it's an outrageous solo run, a gravity-defying bicycle kick, or a team masterpiece, each of these goals has left fans speechless. Here are the top 10 hardest goal in soccer history compiled by wintips.
10. Zlatan Ibrahimović (2012) - 35 yard bicycle kick vs. England
Zlatan Ibrahimović is known for scoring spectacular goals, but his 2012 bicycle kick against England was on another level. As England’s goalkeeper Joe Hart came out of his box to clear the ball, Zlatan reacted instantly, launching himself into the air and executing a perfect bicycle kick from 35 yards out. The ball sailed into the net, leaving everyone in shock. This goal won the FIFA Puskás Award and is still considered one of the greatest bicycle kicks of all time.
The sheer audacity, technique, and execution of the goal made it an instant classic. It wasn’t just a great strike, it was a moment of pure genius that defied logic. The goal later earned Ibrahimović the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year and is still widely regarded as one of the greatest bicycle kicks in football history. It perfectly encapsulated Zlatan’s confidence, creativity, and ability to produce magic when least expected.
9. Roberto Carlos (1997) - Impossible free kick vs. France
During the 1997 Tournoi de France, Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos scored a free kick that defied logic. Standing nearly 40 yards away, Carlos struck the ball with incredible power and swerve, sending it around the wall and into the net. The ball curved so dramatically that it seemed to be heading wide before suddenly bending back inside the post. Scientists later studied the goal, concluding that it was almost impossible to replicate.
The sheer physics of the goal baffled even experts, with scientists later analyzing its movement and concluding that the extreme curve was due to the Magnus effect, a phenomenon rarely seen to such an extent in football. The strike became one of the most studied goals in history and remains one of the greatest free kicks ever scored. Even decades later, Roberto Carlos' legendary strike is still considered almost impossible to replicate, solidifying its place as one of football’s most iconic moments.
8. Lionel Messi (2007) - Maradona-Esque solo goal vs. Getafe
In the Copa del Rey semifinal against Getafe, a young Lionel Messi produced one of the greatest solo goals in football history. Picking up the ball near the halfway line, Messi dribbled past six defenders, displaying lightning speed, close control and balance. He rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net, mirroring Diego Maradona’s legendary "Goal of the Century" from the 1986 World Cup.
This goal was not just a moment of individual genius, it was a statement. Messi had already been regarded as a rising star, but this breathtaking solo effort cemented his reputation as the heir to Maradona’s throne. Over the years, Messi would go on to score hundreds of stunning goals, but this one remains among his most iconic. Even today, it is frequently replayed as a testament to his once-in-a-generation talent, a glimpse of the greatness that would define his legendary career.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo (2018) - Champions League bicycle kick vs. Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored hundreds of goals, but his bicycle kick against Juventus in the Champions League quarterfinals was something truly special. As Dani Carvajal lofted a cross into the box, Ronaldo leapt nearly 2.3 meters into the air, executing a flawless bicycle kick. The ball flew past Gianluigi Buffon into the top corner, earning a standing ovation from Juventus fans. The technique, timing, and athleticism required for this goal make it one of the hardest goal in soccer.
Beyond its aesthetic brilliance, the goal symbolized Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of excellence, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His strike against Juventus remains one of the most iconic goals in Champions League history, a moment that will be remembered for generations.
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6. Ronaldinho (2002) – 40 yard free kick vs. England (World Cup)
During the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, Ronaldinho shocked England with a free kick from nearly 40 yards out. The Brazilian maestro spotted goalkeeper David Seaman off his line and delivered a perfectly placed shot that dipped just under the crossbar. Many believed he was attempting a cross, but Ronaldinho later confirmed that he aimed for goal. Scoring from that distance, with such precision, in a World Cup knockout match, makes this one of the most difficult and memorable goals ever.
Many initially believed Ronaldinho had intended to cross the ball, but he later confirmed that he had aimed for goal. The audacity, vision, and technique required to pull off such a strike on football’s biggest stage made this goal an instant classic. Brazil went on to win the match 2-1, with Ronaldinho’s wonder goal playing a crucial role in their journey to lifting the World Cup trophy. To this day, it remains one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history.
5. Marco van Basten (1988) – Impossible volley vs. USSR (Euro Final)
In the final of Euro 1988, Marco van Basten scored an unbelievable volley from an almost impossible angle. Receiving a looping cross from Arnold Mühren, Van Basten hit the ball first-time, sending it soaring over the goalkeeper into the far corner. The precision and technique required to strike a dropping ball from such an angle made this goal one of the hardest soccer goal in history.
The precision, technique, and sheer difficulty of striking a dropping ball from such an angle made this goal one of the most iconic in football history. It sealed the Netherlands’ 2-0 victory over the Soviet Union, securing their first major international trophy. Decades later, Van Basten’s wonder strike remains one of the greatest goals ever scored in a final.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimović (2004) – Dribbling wonder goal vs. NAC Breda
Zlatan Ibrahimović makes a second appearance on this list with his mesmerizing solo goal for Ajax against NAC Breda. Picking up the ball near the penalty area, Zlatan weaved past multiple defenders, twisting and turning to create space. With unbelievable balance and footwork, he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way before calmly placing the ball into the net. The level of skill, composure, and quick thinking required to score this goal makes it one of the most difficult ever.
As he approached the goal, he feinted to send the goalkeeper the wrong way before calmly slotting the ball into the net. The sheer composure, skill, and creativity displayed in this goal made it an instant classic. It was a moment that showcased Zlatan’s unique blend of flair and power, hinting at the greatness he would achieve throughout his career. Even years later, this goal remains one of the most technically difficult and unforgettable solo efforts ever seen.
3. Dennis Bergkamp (2002) - Magic touch vs. Newcastle
Dennis Bergkamp’s goal against Newcastle in 2002 remains one of the most technically perfect goals ever scored. As Robert Pires played a pass into the box, Bergkamp produced a moment of genius. With a single touch, he flicked the ball around defender Nikos Dabizas, spun the opposite way, and calmly finished past the goalkeeper. The vision, precision, and execution of this goal were nothing short of extraordinary.
In one fluid motion, he regained control and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, making an incredibly difficult move look effortless. The vision, precision, and execution of this goal were nothing short of extraordinary, cementing Bergkamp’s legacy as one of football’s most elegant and intelligent players. Even decades later, this goal is celebrated as a masterpiece of technique and creativity.
2. Carlos Alberto (1970) - The perfect team goal (World Cup Final)
Football is often about individual brilliance, but Brazil’s goal in the 1970 World Cup final against Italy was a masterpiece of teamwork. After a series of intricate passes, Pelé calmly rolled the ball into the path of Carlos Alberto, who struck it first-time into the bottom corner. This goal showcased the beauty of Brazilian football and remains the best example of a perfectly orchestrated team goal.
This goal perfectly captured the essence of Brazilian football, fluid movement, technical brilliance, and collective genius. Widely regarded as the greatest team goal in World Cup history, it remains a timeless example of how football can be both an art and a science.
1. Diego Maradona (1986) - Goal of the century vs. England
The greatest and most difficult goal ever scored belongs to Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals against England. Starting from his own half, Maradona dribbled past five England players with mesmerizing speed and control before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting the ball into the net. The ability to beat multiple defenders under immense pressure on the biggest stage of world football makes this goal the hardest soccer goal in history.
With the stadium in awe, he glided past the last defender, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted the ball into the net. The sheer difficulty of beating multiple opponents under immense pressure on football’s biggest stage made this goal legendary. Dubbed the "Goal of the Century," it remains an unforgettable moment of individual brilliance.
Conclusion
Football’s greatest goals are a mix of incredible skill, precision, and sometimes sheer magic. Whether it’s an unbelievable volley, a solo run past defenders, or a perfect team move, these goals stand out as the hardest goal in soccer. They remain unforgettable moments in football history, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.
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