The 10 Greatest Goals in World Cup History

The greatest moments of the World Cup are etched in the memories of football fans, and among them, the most spectacular goals stand out. Whether through individual skill, incredible collective plays or the emotion of historic decisions, these moments have marked generations and helped to build the magic of this sport.

Here is a selection of the ten most unforgettable goals in World Cup history!

Opening our Top 10 with a goal from the World Cup of Cups! Colombian James scored a great goal in the 2014 World Cup, controlling the ball with his chest and shooting hard from outside the area. The ball hit the crossbar before beating goalkeeper Muslera. This goal qualified Colombia for the quarterfinals, where they faced Brazil.

Despite Brazil's disappointment at the 2022 World Cup, Richarlison scored a stunning goal in the opening game. He received the ball in the box from Vini Jr., turned and scored a spectacular volley, the second goal that secured Brazil's 2-0 victory over Serbia.

Argentine Cambiasso scored a beautiful goal in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The Argentine team exchanged passes for more than a minute in an incredible collective play. With a masterful backheel pass from Hernán Crespo, Cambiasso simply pushed the ball into the net.

Another collective goal in the history of the World Cup. Captain Carlos Alberto received the ball from Pelé, after the Brazilian squad exchanged passes for almost a minute, with no reaction from the Italians. They watched the yellow team dominate, winning the final 4-1.

Another great goal for Argentina in 2006. Although they didn't win the tournament, the team scored several memorable goals! In this move, Maxi Rodríguez received a pass from Sorín on the right, controlled the ball with his chest, got past his marker and hit a spectacular shot from outside the area in extra time, qualifying the Argentines for the quarterfinals.

Before facing Brazil in a historic semi-final match at the 1998 World Cup, the Netherlands had to overcome Argentina in the quarter-finals in a tough duel. With the game tied, in the last minutes, Bergkamp received a perfect pass from Frank De Boer, controlled the ball in the box, beat the Argentine marker and scored the goal that took the Netherlands to the semi-finals.

France and Argentina played a great game with two comebacks in 2018. One of the equalizers was scored by right-back Pavard, who scored, without a doubt, the most beautiful goal of his career. He received a cross from Lucas Hernandez and hit a first-time trivela, putting the ball in the top corner. France won 4-3.

The wizard worked his magic in the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup! In a tough game, with Brazil starting behind on the scoreboard, Ronaldinho provided an assist for the equalizer and, shortly after, had a free kick to take. It was far away, but he noticed the English goalkeeper was ahead and took a chance. The perfect shot went over the goalkeeper, guaranteeing Brazil's victory and passage to the semifinals, on a journey that would lead to the fifth championship.

The King is unmatched! In the 1958 final, at just 17 years old, Pelé led Brazil to its first World Cup triumph. In the iconic play, he received the ball at the edge of the box, beat a Swedish defender, flicked another one on the ball and finished in the corner of the goal, securing the historic title.

In first place, it could not be any other goal than Maradona's. In the 1986 quarter-finals, against England, the Argentines were seeking revenge for the Falklands War. Maradona picked up the ball before the halfway point, dribbled past all the opponents who got in his way, including the goalkeeper, and pushed the ball into the net. This goal guaranteed victory for Argentina and was fundamental to winning the World Cup.

Conclusion

These goals immortalized the genius of some of the greatest players in history and moved millions around the world.

Each move tells a unique story, of overcoming, rivalry or pure talent. And it is this ability to create moments that transcend time that makes the World Cup the greatest stage in world football.

Until the next article!