In football, few moments capture the imagination quite like a long-range goal.
While dribbles, tackles, and intricate passing moves are all major parts of the beautiful game, nothing quite compares to the magic of long-range screamers. These are the goals that make you leap off your seat, spill your drink, and shout in sheer amazement.
Long-range goals that defy expectations, the ones you have to watch again and again just to believe your eyes.
The Premier League, known for its drama and unpredictability, has provided countless unforgettable strikes from improbable distances.
Whether it’s a goalkeeper defying the odds or an outfield player spotting an audacious opportunity, these long-range goals stand as evidence of the extraordinary skill and audacity that make football the global phenomenon it is.
- Best Long-Range Goals in Premier League History
- 1. Asmir Begovic 101 yards
- 2. Tim Howard –100 yards
- 3. Paul Robinson – 80 yards
- 4. Charlie Adam – 66 yards
- 5. Xabi Alonso – 65 yards
- 6. Wayne Rooney – 58 yards
- 7. David Beckham – 57 yards
- 8. Luis Suarez – 45 yards
- 9. Stiliyan Petrov – 45 yards
- 10. Jonjo Shelvey – 45 yards
Best Long-Range Goals in Premier League History
Ranking the best long-range goals in the Premier League isn’t just about how far the ball travelled. We’ve taken into consideration a few key factors to determine which strikes truly stand out.
These factors include the distance from the goal, the positioning of the opposing goalkeeper, and the overall importance and impact of the goal on the match.
Here are the criteria we used to rank these goals:
- Distance from Goal: How far the player was from the goal when they took the shot.
- Goal Importance/Match Result: How crucial the goal was in the context of the match.
- Positioning of the Opposing Goalkeeper: Whether the goalkeeper was caught off guard or out of position.
1. Asmir Begovic 101 yards
Goalkeepers scoring goals is rare, but Asmir Begovic took it to a whole new level in 2013.
In a remarkable moment at the Britannia Stadium, Begovic scored from his penalty area against Southampton. With only 13 seconds on the clock, his thumping clearance, aided by a gust of wind, bounced once and soared over the hapless Artur Boruc’s head.
The Bosnian stopper’s incredible strike wasn’t just notable for its distance; the timing made it even more extraordinary.
Begovic’s goal instantly put Stoke City on the scoresheet, making him their joint top-scorer at the time—a quirky and absurd stat that only football can produce. Despite the spectacular nature of his goal, Begovic chose not to celebrate exuberantly, showing solidarity with his fellow goalkeeper, much like Tim Howard had done before him.
2. Tim Howard –100 yards
Not to be outdone by his fellow goalkeeper, Tim Howard joined the 100-yard club in 2012 with an unforgettable goal.
During a chilly January evening at Goodison Park, Everton’s American shot-stopper launched a wind-assisted clearance that sailed over Bolton Wanderers’ keeper, Adam Bogdan, giving Everton the lead. Howard, ever the professional, chose not to celebrate out of respect for his fellow goalkeeper.
The wintry conditions played a significant role in the goal, as Bogdan misjudged the ball’s trajectory and could only watch in dismay as it bounced over him into the net. Despite this bizarre twist of fate, Bolton showed commendable resilience by rallying to win the game 2-1, a testament to their determination.
Although Howard’s remarkable goal didn’t lead to a victory for Everton, it remains one of the most extraordinary moments in Premier League history.
The fact that his side couldn’t secure all three points might temper the memory, but the brilliance of his 100-yard strike is undeniable.
3. Paul Robinson – 80 yards
It was a moment that pitted two England goalkeepers against each other, with Paul Robinson coming out on top over his Three Lions teammate, Ben Foster. Known for his impressive distribution skills, Robinson often launched long free-kicks to disrupt the opposition’s defence.
But on this particular occasion, his 80-yard kick turned into an unforgettable long-range goal.
A misjudgment by the Watford keeper saw the ball bounce over Foster’s head, extending Tottenham’s lead. While Foster’s defence let him down, Robinson’s spectacular effort shouldn’t be overlooked.
Interestingly, this wasn’t Robinson’s first career goal. He had previously scored a dramatic header for Leeds United against Swindon Town in a 2003 League Cup tie, though from a much closer range.
Much like Xabi Alonso’s famous strike against Newcastle, Robinson’s long-range goal is further immortalized by the fact that it came in a winning effort, adding to its legendary status.
4. Charlie Adam – 66 yards
Charlie Adam might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of stunning long-range goals, but his strike against Chelsea in 2015 was simply unforgettable.
Throughout his career, the Scotsman has often tried his luck from the halfway line, much to the frustration of fans who sometimes saw it as self-indulgent and detrimental to the team when a pass might have been a better option.
However, persistence paid off spectacularly on this occasion. Spotting Thibaut Courtois off his line, Adam launched an audacious shot from 66 yards that sailed into the net.
This goal ranks seventh in the overall standings for a couple of reasons. Although it was further out than many other long-range strikes, its significance was lessened because Stoke went on to lose the match despite Adam’s brilliant effort.
A moment of sheer audacity and brilliance.
5. Xabi Alonso – 65 yards
Xabi Alonso had a penchant for scoring from distance, and his goal against Newcastle in 2006 was a masterclass in precision.
The elegant Spaniard was renowned for his technical prowess and long-range stunners. Just nine months after netting a similar goal in the FA Cup against Luton Town, Alonso showed his talent in the Premier League.
At the time, Alonso was considered one of the most gifted players in world football, praised for his long-range passing and vision. This skill was on full display against Newcastle.
After winning the ball back just outside the centre circle, he noticed Steve Harper off his line and seized the opportunity. Harper caught off guard, could only watch as the ball sailed over him and into the net, sending Anfield into raptures.
Liverpool’s victory made the strike even sweeter, as it contributed to a positive result for the team.
6. Wayne Rooney – 58 yards
Wayne Rooney’s strike against West Ham in 2014 was vintage Wazza. Is there a more spectacular way to complete a hat-trick than scoring from inside your half?
Rooney managed just that in one of the most memorable moments of his career. Having already netted twice to give Everton a commanding lead, Rooney’s third goal was a breathtaking piece of brilliance.
The sequence began when Joe Hart, West Ham’s goalkeeper, raced out to tackle Dominic Calvert-Lewin, only to inadvertently send the ball towards Rooney, 58 yards from goal.
With Hart stranded and the goal unguarded, Rooney unleashed a perfectly weighted shot that soared over everyone and nestled into the back of the net.
The trajectory of the shot was astonishing, and the audacity to attempt it was pure Rooney.
7. David Beckham – 57 yards
David Beckham made a name for himself with an unforgettable goal against Wimbledon in 1996.
With Manchester United leading 2-0, Beckham noticed that Wimbledon’s goalkeeper, Neil Sullivan, was far from his line. Seizing the opportunity, Beckham took a shot from the halfway line -57 yards out—that sailed over Sullivan and into the net.
This goal often hailed as the best scored on the opening day of the season, cemented Beckham’s place as Manchester United’s first-choice right midfielder.
While it may not be the longest-range goal ever scored, its impact and the sheer boldness of the attempt set it apart, surpassing even Tony Adams’ famous strikes.
Beckham’s goal arguably inspired many similar halfway-line attempts in the years that followed, as players gained confidence from his audacious success.
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8. Luis Suarez – 45 yards
Luis Suarez has an impressive collection of incredible goals, but his long-range goal against Norwich City in 2012 is particularly memorable.
During this Premier League clash, Suarez collected the ball near the halfway line, noticed Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy out of position, and decided to take a chance.
With remarkable precision, Suarez launched the ball from a great distance. It soared through the air with unerring accuracy, dipping perfectly to nestle into the top corner of the net. This goal was quintessential Suarez – audacious, clinical, and brilliant, showing his exceptional vision and technical ability.
The goal not only proved Suarez’s confidence and skill but also left fans and pundits alike in awe of his talent. It remains one of the standout moments in his career, embodying the fearless and spectacular nature of his playing style.
9. Stiliyan Petrov – 45 yards
One of Aston Villa’s most memorable Premier League victories came with a 6-0 thrashing of Derby County in April 2008. This match is especially remembered for a spectacular goal by the affable Bulgarian international, Stiliyan Petrov.
The sequence began with a mistake from Derby’s goalkeeper, Roy Carroll, whose poor clearance set the stage for Petrov’s moment of brilliance. Despite the initial error, Petrov still had plenty to accomplish.
From well inside his half, Petrov controlled the ball with his chest and launched an audacious, speculative shot towards goal. Carroll caught off his line, desperately tried to scramble back, but it was too late.
The ball soared high and true, sailing over Carroll’s head and into the net. The Derby keeper could only watch in dismay as Petrov’s perfectly executed strike found its mark.
Petrov’s goal was the highlight of the afternoon, a masterful blend of vision and precision. It stood out even among the six goals Villa scored at Pride Park that day.
For Derby fans, it was a bitter pill to swallow. With their team winless in 30 games, many began to leave the stadium even before halftime, disheartened by yet another crushing defeat.
10. Jonjo Shelvey – 45 yards
Jonjo Shelvey has never been one to shy away from a long-range effort, and his incredible goal against Aston Villa in 2015 is a perfect example of his audacious playing style.
Spotting Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan off his line, Shelvey seized the moment.
From inside his half, he unleashed a powerful strike with incredible precision. The ball rocketed through the air, leaving Guzan scrambling in a desperate attempt to retreat to his goal.
The strike was a moment of pure genius.
Shelvey’s confidence to attempt such a long-range shot, combined with his flawless execution, left fans in the stadium and viewers at home in awe. Commentators were left stunned, praising the midfielder for his vision and bravery.
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