Last week the world witnessed the genius of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he scored four goals against England in an international friendly. The last of these goals, a 30-yard bicycle kick, was simply put one of the greatest goals of our time, and something that you'd struggle to achieve in FIFA 13, let alone in real life. Since the goal, the debate has raging as to whether it was the greatest goal ever? Well we thought we'd keep the debate going by offering up some of the finest goals of that type to ever grace our screens...
10. Michele De Piede (Sheffield Wednesday)
A Sheffield Wednesday player to kick off the list. Who'd have thunk it? What a goal it was by Michele de Piedi. He receives the ball on the edge of the box. He slightly mis-controls the ball, causing it to spin away from him, but that doesn’t matter as he leaps forward while at the same time shooting backwards in the form of a bicycle kick. Points for unbelievable skill and tekkers!
9. Eliran Atar (Bnei Yehuda)
If there is ever a goal to define ‘connection’ this is it. Elira’s goal was voted 4th best goal of 2009, as voted by the voters of the FIFA Puskas Award. The ball travels in a straight line towards Eliran, leaving him with a split second to connect to the ball. Not only does he connect perfectly, but he also bangs her into the top corner. Exquisite! Points for connection.
8. Jakob Kohler (Frem)
This one will be relatively unheard of, but that shouldn’t exclude it from a list of greatness. Danish 2nd Division side Frem were trailing Skjold Birkerod 1-0 as the clock ticked into the 92nd minute. Up comes goalkeeper Jakob Kohler in an attempt to salvage an unlikely point. The ball wasn’t cleared and when it was returned to the back post, Kohler equalised in a frankly unbelievable fashion. Points for being a goalkeeper!!
7. Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
This is a goal that will be cherished by Barcelona fans for eternity, as it turned out to be Ronaldinho’s last goal for the club before moving to AC Milan. What I like about this video is the build up. It’s almost as if the team are waiting for Ronaldinho to get into space, and when he does, this happens. Points for sentiment.
6. Manuel Negrete (Mexico)
This makes the cut simply because of the impressive control and skill Manuel uses before even attempting the bicycle kick. The ball comes into the box from the left, where Manuel controls it with his chest, then his foot, then his head, then BANG!! He produces a powerhouse of a bicycle kick into the top corner to top it off. Points for control, skill and tekkers!
5. Mauro Bressan (Fiorentina)
Mauro Bressan wasn’t exactly a key player for Fiorentina, but he will be forever remembered for his outrageous goal in a 3-3 Champions League tie against Barcelona. Both teams were playing a game of ‘head-tennis’ outside Barca’s box, when Bressan decides he’s had enough and whips this spectacular bicycle kick out of nowhere. Points for timing and audacity.
4. Marco Van Basten (Ajax)
This is a typical Dutch goal. Total football. Fast, one-touch passing in the build up followed by a delicate cross to the back post where big Marco van Basten is waiting to pounce. And pounce he does. Points for connection and execution.
3. Rivaldo (Barcelona)
The commentator pretty much sums it up in this video. “You could just not envisage such a finish to the season, the Brazilian completes a hat-trick, a minute from time, with the most delightful of goals you’ll ever see. A goal in a million, to earn many many millions next season.” The importance of this goal is seen in the celebrations. The last minute, of the last game of the season, to book a place in next season’s Champions League. Points for importance. Bravo Rivaldo.
2. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Context is a huge factor to be considered when deciding on a list of best goals. Manchester United were tied with City at one apiece in a crucial crunch derby match with 15 minutes to go. Nani’s attempted cross took a deflection, causing Rooney to re-adjust and perform one the most memorable goals ever scored at Old Trafford. Points for importance and improvisation.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)
The inspiration for this article. In the dying minutes of a pointless friendly between Sweden and England, Zlatan pulls this out of the bag. Points given for the jump, the execution and the sheer cheek. Take a bow Zlatan!!
