Top 5 best bicycle kicks in football history of all time: Zlatan, Ronaldo, and more

A bicycle kick is a shot executed with the player’s back to goal, leaning backward and striking the ball in mid-air. These goals are among the most exciting moments in football and are frequently nominated for goal-of-the-year awards. In this article, livescorecz.net lists the Top 5 most beautiful bicycle kick goals in football history of all time.

Top 5 best bicycle kicks in football history of all time

Before looking at the goals themselves, let’s visit the origins of the bicycle kick. There are several theories about this kick, with many believing Ramón Unzaga, who emigrated from Spain to Chile in the early 20th century, first performed the move and showcased it at the Copa América in 1916 and 1920. Peruvians, however, claim the move was already being used there as early as 1892.

Others have also laid claim to its invention. Brazilians often point to striker Leônidas, although records show he performed the move in 1932, later than the examples above. Juventus defender Carlo Parola and Doug Ellis, the long-time chairman of Aston Villa, also claimed to have invented the bicycle kick during their playing days. Regardless of its true origin, the move has produced some unforgettable goals. Below are five of the most highly regarded bicycle kicks in football history.

5. Trevor Sinclair (Queens Park Rangers vs Barnsley, 1997)

The oldest goal on this list belongs to Trevor Sinclair. It was scored in QPR’s FA Cup match against Barnsley on January 25, 1997. From a cross delivered from the right wing, Sinclair stunned everyone with a perfectly executed bicycle kick from the edge of the penalty area, around 18 meters from goal.

The ball sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net. Sinclair’s goal helped QPR win 3-2 and advance to the next round. It later won the “Goal of the Season” award in England and is still considered by many to be the most beautiful goal in FA Cup history.

4. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United vs Manchester City, 2011)

Wayne Rooney’s famous overhead kick came during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on February 12, 2011. With the score level at 1-1 in the 78th minute, Nani attempted a cross that deflected off a City defender and dropped into the box.

Rooney reacted instantly, turning and striking the ball with a bicycle kick into the top corner. Joe Hart had no chance. Old Trafford erupted as Manchester United went on to win 2-1 and gain a crucial advantage in the title race. The goal was later voted the best goal of the first 20 years of the Premier League.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid vs Juventus, 2018)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s bicycle kick against Juventus came in the first leg of the 2018 Champions League quarter-final. After an initial chance was saved by Gianluigi Buffon, the ball was recycled into the box following an awkward pass.

Ronaldo adjusted instantly, took two steps back to judge the ball’s flight, planted his left foot, and launched himself into the air. His right foot struck the ball at a height of 2.38 meters, just below the crossbar. The shot flew cleanly into the net.

The goal was widely praised as technically perfect. Zinedine Zidane was left holding his head in disbelief, and even Juventus fans applauded the effort. It remains one of the most iconic goals in Champions League history.

2. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid vs Liverpool, 2018)

Just weeks later in the same Champions League season, Gareth Bale produced another unforgettable bicycle kick, this time in the final against Liverpool in Kyiv. Bale had only just come on as a substitute when Marcelo delivered a right-footed cross from the left wing.

Despite the awkward delivery, Bale leapt and struck the ball cleanly in mid-air. The shot flew into the top corner at incredible speed, giving Loris Karius no chance. The stadium erupted, while Liverpool were left stunned.

The goal broke Liverpool’s resistance and played a decisive role in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory, securing their third consecutive Champions League title and their 13th overall.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden vs England, 2012)

The most astonishing bicycle kick of all time belongs to Zlatan Ibrahimović. It was scored in a friendly match between Sweden and England at the Friends Arena in 2012. In stoppage time, with Sweden leading 3-2, England goalkeeper Joe Hart rushed out of his box to clear a long ball.

The clearance fell perfectly for Ibrahimović. From around 30 meters out, he launched himself into an overhead kick, sending the ball looping over retreating defenders and into the empty net. The goal left players, fans, and commentators in disbelief.

This goal was unique in its distance and execution. Ibrahimović, a black belt in taekwondo, used a movement reminiscent of martial arts rather than traditional football technique. The strike earned him the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award and is widely regarded as the greatest bicycle kick ever scored.

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