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The bicycle kick has once again come into the spotlight after Cristiano Ronaldo scored via a bicycle kick against Juventus in the UCL 2017-18 quarter final first leg in Turin. The Portuguese star not only showed his athleticism, he also proved that he has a lot left in his tank.
The bicycle kick also known as the overhead kick requires great skill and athleticism which makes it one of the most difficult skills to execute in football. The origin of the bicycle kick is still a topic of debate, but during the second half of the twentieth century, the bicycle kick was brought into limelight by Pele.
It is considered as one of the most iconic moves in football. These are five footballers who have been able to perform this iconic move with great prowess.
#5 Wayne Rooney
The former captain of England scored an amazing goal for Manchester United against Manchester City in 2011. He surprised his manager and the world by displaying great athleticism and speed.
Rooney was not in top form then and he considers it as one of his most important goals for Manchester United. The Red Devils went on to win the Premier League title.
In an interview with SkySports Rooney talked about the thoughts running through his mind when he made the goal. He said,
"The deflection [from Nani's cross] actually helped me, because it slowed the ball down and that gave me time to adjust myself, turn my body. "To be honest, I just thought I'll go for it. I wasn't having the best game, and thankfully it's gone into the top corner."
#4 Philippe Mexes
Philippe Mexes' bicycle kick is considered one of the finest in recent times. He netted a goal against Anderlecht in 2012 and that was his only goal in the Champion's League.
Controlling a long free-kick on his chest, Mexes goes for goal from outside the box, looping the ball over Sylvio Proto into the far corner. The defender shocked many as he netted the winning goal for AC Milan.
While talking to the Telegraph, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said,
"As for Mexes' goal, I thought the ball was going to fly out of the stadium. On top of that he played a good match."
#3 Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri created a moment of magic in Euro 2016 when he scored a goal using the bicycle kick. Unfortunately, the Swiss player's amazing goal didn't help his team win the match.
But the match was lit up by the extraordinary kick and it also helped boost the player's popularity.
In an interview with news.com.au he said that he was proud he scored for his country.
“This goal pushed the team more, so it was an important goal for me. It was beautiful. But in the end, I am disappointed."
Shaqiri is also known as the Alpine Messi and he is unpredictable with the ball. Currently he plays as a winger for Stoke City in the Premier League.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo proved his mettle once again by scoring for his club Real Madrid against Juventus in the first leg of the quarterfinals in the UEFA Champion's League. The entire stadium gave him a standing ovation, acknowledging his moment of magic.
Ronaldo reportedly started practicing the overhead kick just 24 hours before the match and due to his excellent work ethic he was able to execute this amazing skill. His hard-work paid off in style as Real Madrid defeated Juventus.
While talking to the BBC about the moment of brilliance, Ronaldo stated;
"Obviously people are talking about the second goal, it was amazing, probably the best of my career, it was spectacular. I jumped very high and it's a goal that will live long in the memory. He added, "To receive applause from a stadium like this, which has been graced by great players, is a unique experience. When I was a kid, I liked Juventus and the fact that their fans have clapped me will stay with me."
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 30-yard bicycle kick is the one which tops the list. The Swede scored against England during an international friendly match in 2012.
It is easy to get bored in an international friendly but due to the Swede's 30-yard stunner, this particular match will live on in our minds.
The former Swedish captain is a creative, acrobatic and prolific goalscorer with unusually quick feet for a man his size.
"When I got the long ball, I saw the goalkeeper come out, and I thought, 'Should I go in for the duel, or wait for him to put it out?' When he put it out, I had it in my mind to score - to try to score. I tried to put it in the goal and when I was on the ground, I saw a defender trying to get it, and I wanted to scream 'No' but the ball went in."
