We all know Zlatan will be featuredIf you look hard enough, great goals in football are everywhere. While 40 yard screamers and solo dribbles are nice on the eyes, the art of the bicycle kick is something truly unforgettable.Originating from South America, the bicycle kick involves having the player with his/her back to the goal, throwing him/herself backwards toward the ground while simultaneously kicking the ball over the player's head and towards the goal.Don't understand what I mean? That's okay because I shall enlighten you with six of the best bicycle kicks from the best players across the globe and by the end of this list you'll be picking your jaw up from the floor (or desk).Disclaimer: The goals that I've listed here only come from the best players in the world, so that means no Sunday league miracles or bottom division wonder goals.
#6 Peter Crouch vs. Galatasaray
Things were quite different in 2006; Cristiano Ronaldo was still at Manchester United, Liverpool were a European giant and competing in the Champions League, and Peter Crouch was a prolific goalscorer- who would have thought?
There’s no better testimony to Peter Crouch’s goal scoring ability than his screamer against Galatasaray in the Champions League. A cross comes in from the right as Peter Crouch is waiting patiently in the box (how many times have we heard that over the years?). Every Premier League fan is accustomed to Peter Crouch scoring a header from a cross, but this time was different.
As the ball approaches the lanky Englishman, the current Stoke forward leaps up facing away from the goal and hits the ball over his head and into the side netting. It was almost the perfect bicycle kick goal, scored with such great precision, power and technique that the keeper was simply rooted to the spot.
Though Crouch is the subject of much mockery today, there is no doubt that this goal remains as one of the former English international’s most prized.
#5 Trevor Sinclair vs. Barnsley
This goal dates way back to 1997, but the sheer skill and athleticism required to produce such a goal is timeless.
In the 1996/97 season, Queens Park Rangers drew Barnsley in a fourth round FA Cup tie. It was an ordinary Saturday afternoon, a glimpse of relaxation amongst the hectic Premier League action.
However the seemingly ordinary crowd went from mundane to delirious in a matter of seconds as Trevor Sinclair of QPR scored one of the best goals ever to grace the FA cup.
A cross came in towards Trevor Sinclair, who was standing a few steps outside the box. Rather than doing the ordinary thing which is controlling the ball and perhaps passing the ball to a teammate, Sinclair did the unthinkable.
As the ball came in from a height, Sinclair aligned himself with is back towards the goal. In a moment of acrobatic genius, he sprung up and kicked the ball over his head on the volley, almost doing a somersault. The keeper didn’t have a prayer as the ball bypassed him and went into the top of the net.
#4 Ronaldinho vs. Villarreal
The bicycle kick being one of the most stunning and daring pieces of skill the game has to offer, it’s no surprise to see the Brazilian magician on this list.
The goal came in the 2006-07 season against Villarreal, and after the match, many claimed it was Ronaldinho’s best goal ever. Whether it is or isn’t is up for debate, but what is irrefutable is the fact that this goal is simply incredible.
After some incredible pressure that Barcelona was inflicting on Villarreal, Ronaldinho receives the ball in the box- a clear goal scoring opportunity. The ball lands on his chest, his body being almost parallel to the goal. He turns one hundred and eighty degrees, kicks the ball sideways and over his head, and the crowd erupts. Done and dusted.
Just listen to the commentary after the goal. Perfection.
#3 Philippe Mexes vs. Anderlecht
Philippe Mexes, the 33-year-old defender for A.C Milan, is no stranger to wonder goals. Even the world’s best strikers are in awe of some of his spectacular finishes.
But the goal that makes this list was when A.C Milan played against Anderlecht. A free kick from Montolivo falls to Mexes at the edge of the box. The center back chests the ball forward, the ball now being outside the box. The Frenchman jumps up and slams the ball above his head, the ball travelling with height until it dips into the back of the net.
It’s hard to describe it with words. So here’s a video of this stunning, stunning goal.
#2 Wendell Lira vs. Atletico Goianiense
A goal which defeated Lionel Messi’s goal against Athletico Bilbao for the 2015 FIFA Puskas award must be special.
At the end of some exquisite passing, a teammate plays the ball in the air and through the defenders, leaving Wendell Lira with a one on one with the keeper. But instead of taking the ball down or heading it into the back of the net, Lira turns his back to the goal, falls backwards while simultaneously kicking the ball over his head and into the back of the net in spectacular style.
Although many would argue that Messi’s goal in the Copa Del Rey final was better, the fact that Lira won 46.7% of the votes compared to Messi’s 33.3% speaks for itself.
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. England
Even die-hard England fans had to applaud Zlatan’s wondrous strike. The goal that won the 2013 FIFA Puskas award was so good that Joe Hart, the goalkeeper who could only watch as the ball flew over his head into the, simply said ‘really?’
The goal was scored during an international friendly between Sweden and England, with Sweden winning the match 4-2. Sweden were up by three goals to two during injury time and with the game almost over, Zlatan Ibrahimovic decided he would have a bit of fun.
A defensive clearance from Sweden lands in the vicinity of the box. Joe Hart comes and heads the ball away. The header isn’t great and doesn’t travel far, but the English shot stopper wouldn’t have guessed what the Swede did next.
Ibrahimovic waits at the right flank as Joe Hart’s shambolic header travels towards him. Seemingly defying the laws of physics, the 6’5” PSG frontman launches himself eight feet into the air and hits a stunning bicycle kick on the volley from 30 yards out, the ball travels with power and height until it dips into the empty net, leaving the English defenders scratching their heads.
