Bicycle kicks, also known as overhead kicks, are one of the most spectacular and skilful moves in soccer. Executing a perfect bicycle kick requires a combination of athleticism, timing, and technical prowess.
Over the years, several players have stapled their names in soccer history by pulling off stunning bicycle kicks that left fans in awe.
Alejandro Garnacho turned heads with a stunning bicycle kick, scoring his first Premier League goal for Manchester United against Everton on Nov 26.
In just three minutes at Goodison Park, he broke the deadlock with an impressive display of skill.
The internet is abuzz with discussions about the best bicycle kicks, so today, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the top 10 bicycle kicks in soccer history.
Best Bicycle Kicks In Football History
Among the myriad of awe-inspiring goals in soccer – the screamers from outside the box, the curling free kicks, cheeky chips, and even those involving the infamous Hand of God – none quite match the sheer spectacle of the bicycle kick.
This overhead acrobatic maneuver transcends the game itself, a feat so undeniably insane and incredible that it has the power to captivate even those who mistakenly label soccer as a snooze fest.
The bicycle kick is a display of athleticism and skill that leaves spectators in disbelief. Its breathtaking nature goes beyond the ordinary, creating a universal appreciation for the beautiful game.
This extraordinary move not only showcases the technical prowess of the player executing it but also elevates the excitement and wonder that soccer brings to fans worldwide.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimović – 2012
Zlatan Ibrahimović is renowned for his acrobatic goals, and his bicycle kick against England in a 2012 friendly match is a fact to his extraordinary skill.
From a seemingly impossible angle, Ibrahimović struck the ball with power and finesse, leaving both fans and opponents in disbelief.
Already responsible for both of Sweden’s goals, Zlatan elevated his performance by scoring a spectacular 30-yard free-kick, propelling his team to a 3-2 lead and completing a remarkable hat trick.
This achievement etched Zlatan’s name in the record books as the first player to score a hat-trick against England since Marco van Basten accomplished the feat in 1988. However, Zlatan wasn’t content with just that.
2. Gareth Bale – 2014
Entering a Champions League final is rare, scoring in one is even rarer, and scoring a bicycle kick to secure victory in a Champions League final is a level of exclusivity reserved for just one player: Gareth Bale.
With a little over an hour played, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane brought Bale onto the pitch, subbing him in for the less effective Isco in an effort to shift the momentum.
Few impact substitutions could match the significance of this one.
In a remarkable turn of events, Bale left an immediate mark less than 90 seconds after entering the game.
Marcelo, acting on instinct, delivered a cross towards the penalty area, targeting Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, standing slightly higher than that duo was Bale, who had cleverly cut inside, evading the defense of Andy Robertson.
Recognizing that Marcelo’s cross wouldn’t reach its intended targets, Bale made a split-second decision to attempt an audacious bicycle kick — a decision that etched his name in history as a pivotal player in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo is known for scoring some incredible goals throughout his career, and one that stands out as arguably the best was his bicycle kick against Juventus for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final in 2018.
He soared through the air, connecting with the ball perfectly to score a goal that received a standing ovation, even from Juventus fans.
The Juventus defenders and even the legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could only watch in awe.
Real Madrid’s manager, Zinedine Zidane, was so astonished that he grabbed his head in sheer disbelief. It was a moment that left everyone witnessing it in wonder and added another extraordinary chapter to Ronaldo’s goal-scoring legacy.
This goal was so exceptional that UEFA honored it with the prestigious Goal of the Season award.
READ ALSO | Bicycle vs Scissors Kicks: What’s The Difference?
4. Wayne Rooney – 2011
The former England forward, known for his impeccable technique and powerful right foot, was particularly unmatched in skill and competitiveness during derby matches against Manchester City.
In a memorable encounter at Old Trafford in February 2011, with the score tied at 1-1 and only 12 minutes remaining, Wayne Rooney rose to the occasion, delivering a spectacular goal to secure victory against United’s noisy neighbors.
The play unfolded when Nani sent in a deflected cross from the right, initially appearing to drift away from Rooney.
However, with brilliant agility, Rooney adjusted his position and redirected the ball towards the goal.
The then Manchester City goalkeeper, Joe Hart, had only a split second to react as Rooney’s strike found the back of the net.
Sir Alex Ferguson later described it as the best goal he had ever witnessed at Old Trafford. This magnificent effort turned out to be the decisive moment in the title race that season, propelling Manchester United to claim their 12th Premier League crown.
5. Alejandro Garnacho – 2023
The remarkable bicycle kick from the young Argentine forward is a strong contender for goal of the season and rightfully earns its place among the best bicycle kicks in football history.
Alejandro Garnacho initiated the scoring at Goodison Park by hustling back to reach an overhit Diogo Dalot cross from the far left side of the penalty area.
Positioned for the spectacular, Garnacho took flight, using his left foot for balance before delivering a precise connection with his right. Despite Jordan Pickford’s full-length dive, the ball found its way into the opposite corner of the net.
This wasn’t just any bicycle kick; it was a top-tier display of skill. Garnacho tracked the ball’s trajectory, leaning backward to execute a perfect connection that added to the allure of this extraordinary goal.
6. Oscarine Masaluk -2016
In a South African Premier League match in November 2016, Baroka’s goalkeeper, Oscarine Masuluke, found himself in an unlikely and unforgettable situation.
Trailing 1-0 against Orlando Pirates with the clock ticking down and the added time already elapsed, Baroka desperately needed an equalizer.
In a last-ditch effort, Masuluke, the goalkeeper, decided to join the attack by charging forward for a corner.
Little did he imagine that this bold move would lead to a goal nomination for the prestigious Puskas Award. The circumstances were dire, and Masuluke’s venture upfield was more out of hope than expectation.
What transpired next can only be described as an absolute shock.
As the Pirates’ defense cleared the corner, the ball bounced just inside the penalty area.
In a moment of sheer brilliance and audacity, Masuluke unleashed an incredible bicycle kick, showcasing skill and determination that defied all expectations.
7. Pelé – 1958
The legendary Brazilian footballer delivered a jaw-dropping moment during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico that is carved in football history.
In a group stage clash against Romania on June 14, 1970, Pelé showcased his incredible talent with a breathtaking bicycle kick that captivated spectators. Positioned flawlessly inside the penalty area,
Pelé anticipated a cross.
With impeccable timing and athleticism, he leaped into the air, executing a mid-flight connection with the ball using a bicycle kick technique.
The precision and elegance of Pelé’s execution were nothing short of remarkable.
The ball sailed past the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.
Beyond highlighting Pelé’s extraordinary skills, this goal played a pivotal role in Brazil’s success in the tournament. Ultimately, Brazil emerged victorious, securing their third World Cup title in history.
8. Hugo Sánchez – 1988
It’s April 10, 1988, and Real Madrid is facing Logroñés in a league match, Sánchez exhibited impeccable technique, athleticism, and timing as he met the cross with a sensational bicycle kick.
The magic happened when a cross was sent into the penalty area. Despite the tricky angle and defenders closing in, Hugo Sánchez displayed incredible skill and timing.
In a swift and perfectly executed move, he launched himself into the air, connecting with the ball in an overhead kick that found the back of the net.
The crowd was left in awe, witnessing not only his athletic prowess but also his remarkable goal-scoring style.
This unforgettable bicycle kick not only helped Real Madrid in that particular match but also added another chapter to Hugo Sánchez’s legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the sport.
9. Marco Van Basten – 1986
A historic moment in football on June 25, 1988, during the UEFA European Championship final between the Netherlands and the Soviet Union.
Marco van Basten, a true Dutch football legend, carved his name in the sport’s annals with an unforgettable bicycle kick.
In the 54th minute, Arnold Mühren delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank into the penalty area.
Faced with a challenging ball and tight defensive marking, Van Basten displayed extraordinary technique and athleticism. With perfect timing and finesse, he executed a sublime bicycle kick, guiding the ball with precision into the far corner of the net.
This brilliant moment not only secured a 2-0 victory for the Netherlands in the final but also marked their first major international trophy.
Marco van Basten’s iconic bicycle kick in the 1988 UEFA European Championship final stands as one of the greatest goals ever scored in a major tournament.
10. Peter Crouch -2006
Standing at an impressive 6 ft 7, Peter Crouch, known for his aerial prowess, defied expectations by delivering one of football’s greatest bicycle kicks.
Renowned for effortlessly heading balls that leave others watching in awe, Crouch displayed a different facet of his skill in a memorable UEFA Champions League group-stage match against Galatasaray in 2006.
In this historic moment, Crouch executed a flawlessly timed and perfectly executed flying bicycle kick that rendered the goalkeeper utterly helpless.
This surprising and extraordinary goal not only highlighted Crouch’s versatility but also solidified his place in football history as a tall striker with remarkable agility and finesse.
The towering Englishman’s unexpected display of skill in that match continues to be celebrated as one of the standout moments in the UEFA Champions League’s rich history.
