The 17 Greatest World Cup Goals of All Time

Vote for the greatest World Cup goal of all time — from Maradona's slalom past six England defenders to James Rodríguez's chest-and-volley thunder strike. Which moment best captures the magic of the beautiful game?

1. 1
   Ronaldo Nazário 2002

   A poacher's finish as Brazil lifted their fifth World Cup in Yokohama, Ronaldo scoring twice after an extraordinary comeback from health adversity.
   1000pts

   BE
2. 2
   James Rodríguez 2014

   A chest-control-volley of laser precision against Uruguay's goalkeeper — the defining image of the 2014 tournament and winner of the Puskás Award.
   960pts
3. 3
   Maradona's Goal of the Century

   A solo run from the halfway line leaving six England players in his wake, widely considered the greatest goal in football history — Argentina vs England, 1986.
   802pts
4. 4
   Ronaldinho's Lob 2002

   A looping long-range free kick that sailed over a stranded goalkeeper, leaving the Shizuoka crowd stunned — Brazil vs England, 2002.
   768pts
5. 5
   Archie Gemmill 1978

   A weaving dribble past three Dutch defenders capped with a delicate chip — Gemmill's masterpiece for Scotland vs Netherlands in 1978.
   633pts
6. 6
   Mario Kempes 1978

   A mazy run through the Dutch defence capped with a poke home — the defining goal of Argentina's first World Cup triumph in the 1978 Final.
   548pts
7. 7
   Dennis Bergkamp 1998

   A stunning first touch to control a long pass, then a low shot around the defender in injury time — perfection in every dimension — Netherlands vs Argentina, 1998.
   548pts
8. 8
   Robin van Persie 2014

   A full-stretch diving header off a looped cross, defying gravity to open the scoring against the reigning champions Spain in 2014.
   449pts
9. 9
   Mbappé's 2022 Final Volley

   A ferocious left-footed volley inside the box in the 97th minute of the World Cup Final, part of the most stunning individual haul in a title decider since 1966.
   448pts
10. 10
    Saeed Al-Owairan 1994

    A 70-yard run from his own half past five Belgian defenders — considered among the longest solo dribble goals in World Cup history, 1994.
    329pts
11. 11
    Esteban Cambiasso 2006

    After a 24-pass team move, Cambiasso's side-footed finish completed what many call the greatest team goal since Carlos Alberto — Argentina vs Serbia, 2006.
    329pts
12. 12
    Pelé's 1958 Final Goal

    A chest control, spin, flick and volley in one breathtaking sequence — a 17-year-old Pelé scoring in his first World Cup Final against Sweden, 1958.
    329pts
13. 13
    Andrés Iniesta 2010

    A perfectly struck volley in extra time that sent Spain to their first-ever World Cup title, sparking delirious celebrations in every corner of the world.
    329pts
14. 14
    Landon Donovan 2010

    A last-second finish after a lightning counter-attack that sent the United States through to the knockout stage, one of the most emotional moments in USMNT history.
    329pts
15. 15
    Carlos Alberto 1970

    The flowing team move finished with a rifled low drive, capping one of the greatest passing sequences in World Cup Final history — Brazil vs Italy, 1970.
    329pts
16. 16
    Zidane's Panenka 2006

    An ice-cold Panenka chip in the penalty shootout of a World Cup Final — an audacious gesture of composure from Zidane in his final ever international game.
    0pts
17. 17
    Roger Milla 1990

    At 38, the oldest scorer in World Cup history, Milla danced his way into legend for Cameroon with two goals against Colombia and a trademark corner-flag celebration.
    0pts

Comments 1