The 17 Greatest World Cup Goals of All Time

By YPB Team

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?

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.

1000pts

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.

964pts

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.

857pts

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.

803pts

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.

734pts

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.

642pts

Archie Gemmill 1978

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

642pts

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.

642pts

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.

514pts

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.

514pts

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.

514pts

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.

514pts

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.

514pts

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.

321pts

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.

321pts

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.

321pts

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.