The best last minute goals in football history are always the moments that bring strong emotions to fans. These are not only the goals that decide the outcome of the match, but also the symbol of the resilience and relentless efforts of the players in the decisive moments. From domestic tournaments to prestigious finals, the best last minute goals in football history have created legendary stories, deeply imprinted in the minds of sports lovers around the world. Join Bestsoccertips.com to learn about these goals through the article below!
Top 8 best last minute goals in football history
1. Sergio Agüero – Manchester City vs QPR (2012)
The match between Manchester City and QPR on 13 May 2012 was a memorable moment in Premier League history. The match had a direct impact on the title race, with City only needing a win to win the title, while QPR were also fighting to avoid relegation. With just a few minutes left to play, City were trailing 2-1 and their title hopes were fading. However, in the final moments, Mario Balotelli provided a wonderful pass to Sergio Agüero, who dribbled past a defender and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
The strike gave Manchester City a 3-2 win, and their first Premier League title in 44 years. Agüero’s goal was not only a brilliant goal, but also a symbol of perseverance and confidence in the most tense moments of football. The wild celebrations after scoring have become one of the most powerful symbols in the history of the sport, marking a new era of success for Manchester City under the leadership of Roberto Mancini.
2. Duncan Ferguson – Everton vs Wimbledon (1994)
On 20 March 1994, in a dramatic match at Goodison Park between Everton and Wimbledon, Duncan Ferguson showed his strength and determination. The match was tied at 1-1 when in the 90th minute, Ferguson jumped high to head in Andrei Kanchelskis’ corner. Ferguson’s powerful and accurate header helped Everton win 2-1 and further cement their place in the Premier League.
Ferguson’s goal was a testament to his physical strength and determination in the crucial moments. Notably, this goal came in a match where Everton desperately needed a win to build momentum for their season. The goal was not only decisive but also ignited a fire in the hearts of Everton fans, who had witnessed a fierce and unyielding Ferguson.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid (2016)
In the 2016 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, which took place on May 28 at San Siro, Milan, Cristiano Ronaldo became the hero not only in the match but also in the penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Before that, Ronaldo had not scored in the official match time, but when the penalty shootout came, he took the decisive kick, scoring the goal to seal a 5-3 victory for Real Madrid.
This was not only a victory for Ronaldo but also a moral victory for the entire Real Madrid team. With a strong mentality and an ability to handle pressure extremely well, Ronaldo ended a successful season with the club’s 11th Champions League trophy. The way Ronaldo faced the penalty shootout – cool and confident – helped him enhance his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.
4. Ole Gunnar Solskjær – Manchester United vs Bayern Munich (1999)
On 26 May 1999, the Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich became one of the most memorable matches in football history. Bayern Munich led 1-0 for most of the match, and as the match was about to end, everything seemed settled. However, in the final minutes, Teddy Sheringham equalized for Manchester United and shortly after, Ole Gunnar Solskjær appeared at the right time to score the second goal, giving United a 2-1 win.
Solskjær’s goal not only sealed the title for Manchester United, but also demonstrated Sir Alex Ferguson’s ability to change the course of a game. Solskjær, who was substituted in the second half, scored just minutes later, showing great preparation and a great instinct for goal. The goal marked a golden era for United and was part of their historic treble in the 1998-99 season.
5. Zinedine Zidane – Real Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen (2002)
The 2002 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen at Hampden Park, Glasgow, saw one of the most beautiful goals in football history. With the score 1-0 in Real Madrid’s favour, Zinedine Zidane received the ball from Roberto Carlos and volleyed it into the far corner of the net, leaving Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt helpless.
Zidane’s volley was not only a spectacular goal but also a decisive one, helping Real Madrid win 2-1. The goal was a testament to Zidane’s class, who showed his control, positional sense and precision in crucial situations. The goal also added to Real Madrid’s standing in Europe, where they once again confirmed their status with a ninth Champions League trophy.
6. Terry Butcher – England vs Sweden (1989)
On 15 November 1989, in a crucial qualifying match for the 1990 World Cup, Terry Butcher scored a crucial goal against Sweden in a match England needed to win to qualify for the World Cup. Despite suffering a serious injury and blood streaming down his face, Butcher did not stop fighting. In the final minute of the match, he made a powerful header from a free kick, helping England win 2-1.
Butcher’s goal was a symbol of England’s never-give-up spirit. Despite Butcher’s injury situation causing concern for many, he continued to play with determination and created a decisive moment in the match. The way Butcher fought through blood and sweat left a lasting impression on fans.
7. Diego Maradona – Argentina vs England (1986)
In the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England, Diego Maradona scored two great goals, but his final goal in the 55th minute after a run from midfield, past five England players, marked one of the most unforgettable moments in football history. With this goal, Maradona not only created an outstanding individual performance but also helped Argentina advance to the semi-finals, where they later won the title.
Maradona’s goal in this match is considered one of the greatest dribbles in football history, as he frustrated the entire English defense to score. It not only showed his talent but also demonstrated Maradona’s ability in pressure situations.
8. Ryan Giggs – Manchester United vs Arsenal (1999 FA Cup)
On 14 April 1999, in the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Arsenal, Ryan Giggs scored a stunning solo goal. Giggs picked up the ball in midfield, beat a number of Arsenal defenders and slotted the ball past goalkeeper David Seaman, putting United 2-1 up and into the final.
The goal has become one of Manchester United’s classic moments, with Giggs’s technical prowess and confidence showing. It was also one of the key goals in United’s historic treble-winning campaign in the 1998-99 season.
Conclusion
Thus, the best last minute goals in football history are not only situations that change the game, but also demonstrate the ability to break through and persevere in decisive moments. These goals have left a deep impression on fans, demonstrating the greatness of the players and the irresistible appeal of football. It is these last minute goals that create memorable memories, affirming that football is a sport full of emotions and never lacks surprises.
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