Unforgettable overhead kicks: Garnacho, Rooney, Ronaldo, and beyond

Garnacho’s Sensational Overhead Kick

Alejandro Garnacho, a 19-year-old forward for Manchester United, scored a remarkable overhead kick goal during their 3-0 victory against Everton. This goal drew comparisons to Wayne Rooney’s acrobatic goal against Manchester City in 2011. Garnacho now joins the ranks of legendary players like Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic who have scored incredible overhead goals. In the spirit of technical excellence, here are some other iconic scissor and bicycle kicks in football history.

Jahanbakhsh’s Bicycle Kick

Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored a bicycle kick goal for Brighton against Chelsea in 2020. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a spectacular overhead goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018. Wayne Rooney’s powerful overhead kick in the Manchester derby in 2011 was a moment of instinctive brilliance. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored an audacious long-range overhead kick for Sweden against England in 2012. Dimitar Berbatov’s goal for Manchester United against Liverpool in 2010 is also memorable.

Bale’s Gymnastic Volley

Gareth Bale’s gymnastic volley for Real Madrid against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final is another standout moment. Emre Can’s goal for Liverpool against Watford in 2017 is considered one of his best. Ronaldinho’s goal for Barcelona against Villarreal in 2006 is a display of incredible skill. Rivaldo’s tumbling strike for Barcelona against Valencia in 2001 is another timeless classic. Philippe Mexes, a defender for AC Milan, scored a spectacular overhead kick against Inter Milan in 2012.

Masuluke’s Goalkeeper Heroics

Oscarine Masuluke, a goalkeeper for Baroka FC, scored a perfect last-minute overhead kick against Orlando Pirates in 2017. He is the only goalkeeper to be shortlisted for a Puskas Award. Mauro Bressan’s 30-yard overhead kick for Fiorentina against Barcelona in 1999 is often considered one of the best overhead kicks ever scored. Finally, in the 1981 movie “Escape To Victory,” Pele, playing a Brazilian prisoner of war, scored an iconic overhead kick goal to defeat the Nazis.

These goals showcase the incredible athleticism and skill of the players who executed them.

Further Reading