The Fifa World Cup is the biggest soccer event in the world. Every 4 years, nations from all over the globe come together to compete for the most prestigious award in soccer; the World Cup trophy.
Beginning in 1930, there have been a total of 21 World Cup tournaments. Across these tournaments, we have blessed with some sensational matches, fantastic performances and incredible goals.
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There have been hundreds of spectacular goals scored across all the tournaments, however, let’s take a look the top 10 World Cup goals in history. These rankings are based off how unique the goal is, how much skill is involved and how important the goal was.
10. Esteban Cambiasso (2006) Argentina vs Serbia
At number 10 in Bovada’s best World Cup goals ever scored list, we have a superb team goal. This goal features a 26-pass build-up, a cheecky back-heel assist from Crespo and a beautiful finish from Cambiasso; the perfect way to start this list.
9. James Rodriguez (2014) Colombia vs Uruguay
Almost coming in as a complete contrast to Cambiasso’s goal, we have a super strike from a 23 year-old James Rodriguez. With his back towards goal, he softly chests the ball down and strikes the ball on the volley whilst turning his body at the same time. The ball absolutely flies through the air before catching the underneath of the crossbar and bouncing down behind the line. The sweet strike went on to win Goal of the Tournament.
8. Archie Gemmill (1978) Scotland vs Holland
Next up, we have our first solo goal in the greatest World Cup goals list. Gemmill picks up the ball and finds himself in a scenario that seems impossible to score from. He’s at the corner of the box with several Holland defenders between him and the net, however, that’s no problem for Gemmill. He takes the ball past, not one, not two but three defenders before placing the ball in the back of the net. Fantastic.
7. Zinedine Zidane (2006) France vs Italy
Coming in at number 7, you might be surprised to see a penalty in the list of best goals scored at the World Cup, however, this one is special. First off, it’s the World Cup Final. Secondly, it’s against one of the greatest goalkeepers ever, Buffon. Thirdly, it’s a Panenka. Having the nerves to pull off such type of goal in any game is impressive, never mind the biggest stage in soccer!
6. Saeed Al Owairan (1994) Saudi Arabia vs Belgium
Here we have another wonderful solo goal. In the 5th minute of the game, Saudi Arabia’s Saeed Al Owairan carries the ball from deep inside his own half, past 4 defenders, and buries the ball in the back of the net. This was the only goal scored in the game, giving Saudi Arabia a huge victory over Belgium.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (2018) Portugal vs Spain
You might have been expecting to see Cristiano Ronaldo appear at some point in this list, after all, he is the leading men’s international goalscorer of all time. When Portugal were 3-2 down in the 85th minute, they won a free-kick right on the edge of the box. If there’s one man that’s going to put it in the back of the net, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo. And, that’s exactly what he did, securing Portugal the draw. It’s moment like these why he will be forever known as one of the greatest soccer players ever.
4. Benjamin Pavard (2018) France vs Argentina
Speaking of crucial goals, next we have Benjamin Pavard’s wonder-strike against Argentina. Just when it looked like France’s tournament could be over, the unlikeliest of players stepped up. As the ball bounces away from the net, the defender strikes to ball as sweetly as ever to send it bending into the top left corner. The goal brought France back into the game at 2-2, and France actually went on to win 4-3 sending them to the quarter finals. Eventually, France went on to win the tournament and be crowned World Champions.
3. Robin Van Persie (2014) Holland vs Spain
This could be one of the most unique goals you ever see in soccer; a diving header that lobs the goalkeeper. Any other striker in Van Persie’s position would try and take the ball down and attempt a usual one on one goal, but not the Dutch striker. Instead, Van Persie saw the Spanish goalkeeper off his line and decided to use his head to loop the baller over the top of him, finding the back of the net. Having the skill and technique to pull this off is not something many have.
2. Diego Maradona (1986) Argentina vs England
As one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Diego Maradona was sure to find a place in our list. In 1986 he scored, what would go on to be voted as, the goal of the century against England in the World Cup semi-final. After gaining possession just inside his own half, he goes on to dribble past six opponents before slotting the ball in the back of the net in an amazing solo goal; classic Diego Maradona. Of course it’s worth mentioning that Argentina went on to beat Germany in the final too.
1. Carlos Alberto (1970) Brazil vs Italy
The award for best World Cup Goal ever scored has to be given to Carlos Alberto. In the 1970 World Cup final, Brazil picked up possession of the ball near the edge of their own box. After a combination of 10 passes and typical Brazilian skills, the ball came to Carlos Alberto who struck the ball with the outside of his foot sending it into the far corner of the goal. The goal topped of Brazil’s 4-1 win over Italy, crowning them as World Champions. A goal showcasing the art of soccer.
There we have the top 10 greatest goals scored in World Cup history. With no doubt, there will be many more fantastic goals scored at future tournaments, perhaps even some at the 2022 World Cup! Ahead of this year’s event, you can view all of the World Cup 2022 odds at Bovada Sportsbook! Be sure to sign up to Bovada to be able to begin betting!
