Football, also known as soccer, is a sport played by two teams of 11 players each on a rectangular field with a goal at either end. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposition by getting the ball into their opponent’s goal.
In football, a goal is scored when the ball is kicked into the opponent’s goal and passes over the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. Scoring a goal is the ultimate objective of the game, and it is a significant moment that often determines the outcome of the match.
Top 10 Most Popular Football Goals:
Football, or soccer, is the world’s most popular sport, and for good reason. It’s a game that’s fast-paced, requires skill, and involves a lot of scoring. Goals are the most exciting part of any football match, and throughout the history of the sport, there have been many memorable ones.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 most popular football goals of all time.
10. Johan Cruyff, Netherlands vs Sweden (1974):
Johan Cruyff scored a goal for the Netherlands against Sweden in the 1974 World Cup that was a thing of beauty. He received the ball just outside the Swedish penalty area, faked a shot, and then dragged the ball back.
9. Saeed Al-Owairan, Saudi Arabia vs Belgium (1994):
Saeed Al-Owairan scored one of the most famous goals in World Cup history in 1994. He picked up the ball in his own half, dribbled past the entire Belgian team, and then slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
8. David Beckham, England vs Greece (2001):
David Beckham scored a free-kick against Greece in 2001 that helped England qualify for the 2002 World Cup. He curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner of the net, sparking wild celebrations from the England fans.
7. Pelé, Brazil vs Sweden (1958):
Pelé announced himself to the world in the 1958 World Cup with a goal against Sweden that showcased his incredible talent. He received the ball just inside the Swedish half, ran past several defenders, and then chipped the ball over the goalkeeper.
6. Dennis Bergkamp, Arsenal vs Newcastle (2002):
Dennis Bergkamp scored a goal for Arsenal against Newcastle in 2002 that was a masterclass in control and finishing. He brought down a long pass from Robert Pires with a deft touch, spun past a defender, and then chipped the ball over the goalkeeper.
5. Roberto Carlos, Brazil vs France (1997):
Roberto Carlos scored a free-kick against France in 1997 that is still talked about today. He hit the ball with the outside of his left foot, and it swerved so much that it seemed to defy the laws of physics as it went into the net.
4. Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen:
In the final of the 2002 Champions League, Zinedine Zidane scored one of the most famous goals in football history. He met a cross from Roberto Carlos with a left-footed volley that flew past the goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net.
3. Lionel Messi, Barcelona vs Getafe (2007):
Lionel Messi has scored many great goals in his career, but his solo effort against Getafe in 2007 stands out. Messi picked up the ball on the halfway line, dribbled past five players, and slotted the ball into the net.
2. Marco van Basten, Netherlands vs Soviet Union (1988):
In the final of the 1988 European Championships, Marco van Basten scored one of the greatest goals of all time. He latched onto a cross-field pass from Arnold Mühren and hit a volley that flew over the Soviet Union goalkeeper and into the top corner of the net.
1. Diego Maradona, Argentina vs England (1986):
Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal against England in the 1986 World Cup is perhaps the most controversial goal in football history. Maradona punched the ball into the net with his left hand, but the referee didn’t see it, and the goal was allowed to stand.
This was all about the popular football goals of all time.