These are our picks for the top World Cup goals, ranging from canny set-pieces to slick Dutch counterattacks.
Goals 100-90
Goals 89 – 80
Goals 79-70
69. Samson Siasia, Nigeria v Argentina, 1994
When Samson Siasia found himself through on goal against Argentina in 1994, the simple thing to do would have been to put his head down and hit the ball hard into the keeper’s near post. It would have made for a wonderful goal if it had gone that way. Instead, he chose to follow the lesser-traveled route, nutmegging the inept defender and then delicately chipping his keeper. He then looped the ball under the crossbar making it a fantastic goal.
Siasia porta a sorpresa in vantaggio la Nigggeriawww.youtube.com
68. Arjen Robben, Netherlands v Spain, 2014
There aren’t many players like Arjen Robben out there, in that you know exactly what they’re going to do on the pitch but you just can’t stop them.
Robben’s love for cutting inside and shooting was well-known. But he was a formidable player, and this 2014 goal was proof of that. He raced onto the through ball against Spain showing his speed, before he showed composure to slip back onto his left foot and make his way home. Amazingly, he was able to clock 37km/h for this goal, which is the fastest speed that a player has ever achieved.
Robben’s World Record Speed ● World Cup 2014 ● Fastest Run Everwww.youtube.com
67. Angel Di Maria, Argentina v France, 2018
He’s not going to shoot from there, is he?
France was left to admire 2018’s passing of the ball to Di Maria, a good 35 yard distance away. The Argentine hammered home a clean long-range shot past Hugo Lloris. It was the highlight in a thrilling last 16 match that saw eventual champions France win a fraught 4-3 victory. One of many outstanding games from 2018.
Ángel Di María Goal vs France – 2018 World Cupwww.youtube.com
66. Didier Six, France v Kuwait, 1982
The sheer brass neck of Didier Six in front the goal makes this goal a top-notch goal. The Kuwait defense was unlocked by a simple ball over the top. Didier Six could have made a cup and read a book, but he chose to do the bold thing and hit the ball into the top corner. Outstanding.
139 1982 Didier Six France Kuwaitwww.youtube.com
65. Franz Beckenbauer, West Germany v Switzerland, 1966
He’s synonymous with the libero role and famous for prowling in front of the back four, but Franz Beckenbauer could get forward too.
Beckenbauer took the ball and gave it to his teammates. Then he poked the ball past the goalkeeper. It was one the most memorable goals of the 1966 tournament, and it helped Beckenbauer’s side win a convincing 5-0 against Switzerland.
BECKENBAUER – against switzerland 1966 (3-0)www.youtube.com
64. Hirsto Stoichkov, Bulgaria v Mexico, 1994
Hristo Stoichkov was one of the best players in the world at the time the 1994 tournament came around, and after seeing this effort again it’s a shame to think he never got a big move to England. He sprints at his best before running past Jorge Campos for a long-range win. It’s a classic 90s goal, even if the markings on the pitch do give us a bit of a headache.
Mexico Vs Bulgaria Usa ’94 Hristo Stoichkov’s Goalwww.youtube.com
63. Javier Zanetti, Argentina v England, 1998
ZANETTI – Against England 1998www.youtube.com
There are few things more satisfying than a training ground set-piece routine coming off during a game, and this is one of the slickest we’ve ever seen from Javier Zanetti. Gabriel Batistuta throws the ball over as a distraction. Juan Sebastian Veron then darts a ball towards Zanetti. He controls it brilliantly and smashes it goalwards. Michael Owen’s goal and David Beckham’s red card made the headlines during this game, but this freekick shouldn’t be overlooked.
62. Paul Breitner: West Germany v Yugoslavia 1974
Sometimes, you’ve just got to put your laces through it, and Paul Breitner made no hesitation during West Germany’s tie against Yugoslavia in 1974. It’s such a pure strike that the ball wobbles in the air on the way past the despairing diving challenge and into the top corner, and a long-range effort to remember.
Breitner West Germany Yugoslavia 1974www.youtube.com
61. David Luiz, Brazil v Colombia, 2014
This could be the most spectacular kick of a football. This is a ridiculous feat to impart speed and movement to a football using a side-footed effort. It moves like a penny floater you’d play with as a kid. It would have been impossible for two goalkeepers to stop it. David Luiz ran to the corner flag in a deranged celebration, adding to the confusion.
David Luiz vs Colombia: Free kickwww.youtube.com
60. Pele, Brazil v Mexico, 1962
Who knows how many goals Pele scored during career (Pele seems to find extra ones he’d forgotten about every time there’s a count-up), but we can all agree he was pretty handy in front of goal. Pele was only 21 years old when he scored the goal against Mexico in 1962. He played like a child in the playground, ignoring tackles and beating players on a mad run. It’s the first time Pele features in this round-up, but it certainly won’t be the last.
Pele against Mexico 1962www.youtube.com
Click here to view goals 59-50
Participate in our news democracy. To vote for this article in the rankings, click on the upvote icon.