It’s nearly that time of the year when the 48 qualified countries compete in the most notorious and most-watched competition: the World Cup.
Since its beginning on 13 July 1930, there have been numerous legendary goals. Recent classics include James Rodriguez in 2014 vs. Uruguay in the round of 16 and Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal for South Africa in 2010, or, if you really go back in time, the goal by the legendary Pelé in the 1970 World Cup against Italy, dubbed the “goal of the century”. These, plus many others, are great examples of greatness at the highest stage, but who was the best?
The goal by Pelé is widely seen as one of the best goals in World Cup history. The bicycle kick was an extraordinary showcase of athleticism and skill, which, at the time, had never been seen before. This goal defined not only his legacy but also cemented Brazil’s dominance and solidified their winning of the 1970 World Cup.
Another iconic goal was Diego Maradona’s incredible solo goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. This goal was the definition of skill and the act of dominion on the pitch; nobody could touch him as he weaved and conquered the defence till only the goalkeeper was left, whom he beat, and he rounded it off with a simple finish. This goal was also quoted as the “goal of the century”.
In the same game, he produced arguably the most controversial moment in football history; after a cross from his teammate into the box, instead of heading the ball, he used his hand to punch the ball into the net. This goal was allowed due to the referee’s limited vision and the lack of goal-line technology. This goal changed how the tie between England and Maradona was told negatively; however, the “goal of the century “, like Pelé’s goal, was a demonstration of Maradona’s unbelievable skill but was the finishing touch for Argentina’s controversial World Cup win.
“This goal was football at its best.”
Jackson Edwards
Passionate football fan Jackson Edwards shared this sentiment: “Diego Maradona’s goal against England in 1986 was crazy; he looked like a force of nature destroying England” …” This goal was football at its best.”
A somewhat underrated goal is James Rodriguez’s goal in 2014 for Colombia against Uruguay. The technical ability and composure displayed in this goal were unbelievable and justified numerous elite teams fighting over his signature after the tournament. This goal showcased the incredible ability of Rodriguez to the world, which the world didn’t already know, and it was another example of the greatness of the beautiful game. This half-volley seemed to come out of nowhere and added an aspect of the ball rattling off the bar added spectacle to an already technically nigh impossible. Additionally, what made this crazy was that before this tournament, he was known as an unproven up-and-coming talent, so the surprise and shock was surreal.
A recent addition to the catalogue of legendary goals in the World Cup was the volley by Kylian Mbappe in the 2022 World Cup final. France was 1-0 down by the 81st minute until, out of nowhere, Mbappe, after a wayward ball in the air, connected with the ball in a volley into the bottom corner. This goal almost shattered the morale of Argentina, not only due to the otherworldly level of confidence and execution of the goal, but it also made an already stressful game for Argentina almost unbearable.
Avid football fan Reece Edwards shared his thoughts on the goal: “Watching the goal line was crazy; you could feel the energy shift completely. I will never forget that feeling.”
The football giants, Germany, have their own World Cup moment, which I’m sure they hold close to their hearts. In the 2014 World Cup final against Argentina, all the headlines were about Messi possibly winning his first World Cup, cementing his international legacy.
However, what ended up happening was simultaneously a heartbreak for Argentinian hearts and a euphoric celebration for the German people. In the 113th minute, when the score was 0-0, Mario Götze controlled a brilliant cross from his German teammate André Schürrle and then volleyed it into the bottom corner of the net. This level of skill and composure at such a pressure moment in the game was an exhibition of artistry with stone-cold execution. This ended up being the winning goal for Germany to win the World Cup for the fourth time and the first time for a unified Germany.
Lastly, there is Robin Van-Persie’s flying header in 2014 for the Netherlands in the opening group game against Spain. The goal was dubbed “the flying Dutchman” due to Van-Persie practically soaring through the air for an incredible cross (in its own right) from Daley Blind, where in a pose resembling the flying superman pose headers the ball over the goalkeeper. Van-Persie was already known for his natural ability and knack for connecting with the ball in the air with amazing accuracy, but this goal was a different level from anything he had produced before, and after this moment, that is already a World Cup classic.
