Heading (or nodding) the ball is a special art in soccer. The height of a player plays a crucial role when a player rises above others to head the ball. In addition to height, jumping ability is very important. While all soccer players can head the ball, having a high jump will be beneficial for some players in aerial battles. In this article, bestsoccertips.com brings you the top 10 highest jump in soccer ever recorded in the history of football. Please note that these highest jumps in soccer are based on the height that players achieve to score goals with their heads.
Who can jump the highest in soccer?
1. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Manchester United (2.93m)
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Manchester United (2.93m) Cristiano Ronaldo, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest football players of all time, has achieved most of the highest jumps in soccer. He possesses some extraordinary qualities that set him apart from others on the field.
One of those special abilities is that sometimes he can jump higher than an NBA player. CR7 can almost double his height when jumping to head the ball. In fact, he is the highest jumping athlete ever recorded in the history of football. Whenever he jumps, it seems like he can hang in the air and pause – astonishing fans and even opposing players. As a result, most of the goals on this list belong to Ronaldo.
Furthermore, the Portuguese superstar has scored more headed goals than any other football player in history – with around 150 goals for both club and country. Some of Cristiano Ronaldo’s headers are so remarkable that his jumping ability and hang time are likened to basketball legend Michael Jordan.
However, in reality, Ronaldo doesn’t jump as high as Jordan; but he can outjump average NBA players. His highest recorded jump was a stunning 2.93 meters in February 2013 when he scored for Real Madrid against Manchester United in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Patrice Evra – who was marking him – had no chance witnessing Ronaldo soaring in the air!
2. Youssef En-Nesyri vs Portugal (2.78m)
Moroccan forward Youssef En-Nesyri is renowned for his high jumping ability and headed goals. It’s no surprise that his goal is among the highest jumps in football history. In the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter-final match against Portugal, Youssef En-Nesyri scored a header defying gravity.
The Moroccan forward soared in the air and beat Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa to nod the ball home, securing a 1-0 victory for Morocco. En-Neseyri’s excellent header came from a height of 2.78 meters. It’s worth noting that En-Nesyri’s height is around 1.88 meters (6 ft 2 in), but he possesses the ability to jump nearly double his height.
3. Bevis Mugabi vs Ross County (2.62m)
Motherwell’s Ugandan international defender, Bevis Mugabi, produced an unforgettable moment when he outjumped opposition defenders in the penalty area and executed a decisive header, sending the ball past the opposing goalkeeper and into the net against Ross County.
This event took place in an important Scottish Premiership match in February 2021, marked by Mugabi’s impressive leap and the incredible height of 2.62 meters, creating a special and emotional moment for fans.
4. Fikayo Tomori vs Juventus (2.61m)
In May 2021, San Siro witnessed a miraculous leap from AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, as he surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s highest jump record in Serie A. In a crucial match between Milan and Juventus, Tomori not only left his personal mark but also played a vital role in his team’s impressive 3-0 victory.
Tomori’s leap reached 2.61 meters, a remarkable figure surpassing the limits of many other players. He outjumped the challenge of Giorgio Chiellini – one of the world’s top defenders – to head the ball decisively into the opponent’s net, bringing joy and happiness to Milan fans worldwide and those supporting him.
5. Victor Osimhen vs Spezia (2.58m)
On February 7, 2023, Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen became the high jump king of Serie A after setting a new record in Napoli’s splendid 3-0 victory over Spezia on Sunday. Osimhen scored a superb header against the Little Eagles at the Stadio Alberto Picco, making it one of the matches with the highest jumps in football history. The goal came in the 68th minute, as he rose above goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski to double Napoli’s lead.
The forward leaped an impressive 2.58 meters to beat Dragowski to the punch before heading home. Victor Osimhen is considered one of the best forwards in the world at the moment, and one of the reasons is his outstanding aerial ability, allowing him to leap and connect with crosses effortlessly.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Sampdoria (2.56m)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s decisive goal against Sampdoria in a Serie A match in 2019 was truly an unbelievable phenomenon. Regarded as a masterpiece of football, it has become a central theme in many classic textbooks on the sport.
This dramatic match witnessed Ronaldo showcasing his superior skills, as he executed an astonishing leap, reaching an impressive height of 2.56 meters. Taking advantage of a superb cross from Alex Sandro, Ronaldo demonstrated his ability to receive the ball and adjust the opportunity excellently, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net, securing an important victory for his team. This goal was not just a goal but also an artistic masterpiece, contributing to creating memorable moments in football history.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Inter Milan (2.53m)
In the thrilling Milan derby in February 2020, Zlatan Ibrahimovic demonstrated his strength and skill by creating the opening goal for AC Milan. His world-class leap almost reached the impressive height of Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous goal against Sampdoria. With his height, Ibrahimovic was nearly 2.53 meters off the ground when executing this miraculous leap.
The interesting fact is that Ibrahimovic almost matches Ronaldo in jumping ability, a remarkable comparison considering he is even taller. Zlatan’s impressiveness lies not only in his technique and power but also in his flexibility and ability to shine in decisive situations like this, highlighting the versatility of the Swedish star in the world of football.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Torino (2.47m)
A year before his impressive leap against Sampdoria, Cristiano Ronaldo created another miraculous moment in a Serie A match against Torino during the 2018/19 season. At a time when Torino was leading and seemed poised for an impressive victory in the Turin derby against Juventus, CR7 appeared with an unbelievable leap, reaching a height of 2.47 meters, to execute a powerful headed goal.
In the 84th minute of the match, when it seemed Torino would hold onto their lead and secure the win, Ronaldo showcased the character of a top star by refusing to be dominated by the opponent. He equalized with a strong and technically perfect header, turning Juventus fans’ anxiety into excitement. Ronaldo’s action was not only a personal demonstration but also a symbol of never giving up and the desire to win of a true leader on the field.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Osasuna (2.44m)
In the La Liga 2011/12 season, Cristiano Ronaldo displayed peak form as he scored a hat-trick for Real Madrid in an impressive match against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu, with a final score of 7-1.
Ronaldo’s third goal was not just a typical goal but also an artistic masterpiece showcasing his superiority. In an attacking move, he executed an incredibly impressive leap, reaching a miraculous height of 2.44 meters, leaving the crowd in the stands astonished and amazed.
Ronaldo’s flexibility, strength, and technique were clearly demonstrated in this leap, making everyone remember that special moment forever. This goal was not just part of Real Madrid’s victory but also a symbol of Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent and excellence in his career.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Sassuolo (2.44m)
During his time at Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo once again amazed fans worldwide with a high jump in an aerial duel with Sassuolo. In a contested situation, Ronaldo displayed his strength and agility by leaping higher than anyone else to snatch the ball away from Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Consigli – who couldn’t replicate a similar leap.
What’s particularly impressive is the height of this jump, reaching 2.44 meters, exactly like the goal against Osasuna some time before. Ronaldo’s strength, technique, and determination were once again clearly demonstrated, creating a special and unforgettable moment in his illustrious career.
Conclusion
The list highlights some of the most remarkable high jumps in soccer history, with Cristiano Ronaldo featuring prominently. From his incredible leaps against opponents like Manchester United, Sampdoria, Torino, Osasuna, and Sassuolo, Ronaldo has consistently demonstrated his exceptional aerial ability, strength, and technique. These moments not only showcase Ronaldo’s individual brilliance but also reflect his relentless drive for success and leadership on the field. Alongside other players like Youssef En-Nesyri, Bevis Mugabi, and Victor Osimhen, Ronaldo’s high jumps stand out as iconic moments in the beautiful game, leaving fans worldwide in awe and admiration.
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