# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published June 10, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-17-greatest-world-cup-goals-of-all-time*

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## Current results (3 votes)

1. **Ronaldo Nazário 2002** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 1000/1000)
   A poacher's finish as Brazil lifted their fifth World Cup in Yokohama, Ronaldo scoring twice after an extraordinary comeback from health adversity.
2. **James Rodríguez 2014** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 960/1000)
   A chest-control-volley of laser precision against Uruguay's goalkeeper — the defining image of the 2014 tournament and winner of the Puskás Award.
3. **Maradona's Goal of the Century** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 864/1000)
   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.
4. **Dennis Bergkamp 1998** — 0% (0 votes · score 863/1000)
   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.
5. **Ronaldinho's Lob 2002** — 0% (0 votes · score 720/1000)
   A looping long-range free kick that sailed over a stranded goalkeeper, leaving the Shizuoka crowd stunned — Brazil vs England, 2002.
6. **Pelé's 1958 Final Goal** — 0% (0 votes · score 652/1000)
   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.
7. **Archie Gemmill 1978** — 0% (0 votes · score 576/1000)
   A weaving dribble past three Dutch defenders capped with a delicate chip — Gemmill's masterpiece for Scotland vs Netherlands in 1978.
8. **Mario Kempes 1978** — 0% (0 votes · score 575/1000)
   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.
9. **Landon Donovan 2010** — 0% (0 votes · score 487/1000)
   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.
10. **Robin van Persie 2014** — 0% (0 votes · score 384/1000)
   A full-stretch diving header off a looped cross, defying gravity to open the scoring against the reigning champions Spain in 2014.
11. **Mbappé's 2022 Final Volley** — 0% (0 votes · score 384/1000)
   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.
12. **Saeed Al-Owairan 1994** — 0% (0 votes · score 261/1000)
   A 70-yard run from his own half past five Belgian defenders — considered among the longest solo dribble goals in World Cup history, 1994.
13. **Esteban Cambiasso 2006** — 0% (0 votes · score 261/1000)
   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.
14. **Andrés Iniesta 2010** — 0% (0 votes · score 261/1000)
   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.
15. **Roger Milla 1990** — 0% (0 votes · score 261/1000)
   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.
16. **Carlos Alberto 1970** — 0% (0 votes · score 261/1000)
   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.
17. **Zidane's Panenka 2006** — 0% (0 votes · score 115/1000)
   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.

Tags: sports, football, classics, world cup, legends, all-time, national teams