Unforgettable Acrobatics: Ranking the 10 Greatest Bicycle Kicks in Football History

Witnessing an overhead kick finding the back of the net is an unparalleled sight in football. The audacity required for a player to even attempt such a shot, let alone execute it successfully, is truly remarkable. In those rare instances when the ball sails in, even opposing supporters have been known to applaud a moment of pure genius.

Alejandro Garnacho's extraordinary bicycle kick during Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Everton in 2023 is a goal that will undoubtedly be etched in football history. It is poised to join the ranks of the greatest goals in Premier League history. However, the question remains: is it the best overhead kick goal of all time?

Betimate has taken on the task of answering that question by compiling a list of 10 of the most remarkable bicycle kicks across all competitions throughout the years. They aim to determine which one stands as the best. Garnacho's goal has rightfully earned its place among them, but where exactly will it rank in their esteemed list?

10. Marco van Basten

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vs Den Bosch (1986)

Marco van Basten is widely recognized as one of the greatest strikers in the history of football. His unbelievable volley for the Netherlands against the Soviet Union in the 1988 Euro final is heralded as one of the finest goals ever scored. However, it is important to note that the Dutchman also executed an extraordinary overhead kick during his time at Ajax in 1986.

During the match, a high cross was delivered from the right side, prompting van Basten to cleverly evade two defenders. With impeccable timing and technique, he launched himself into the air, making contact with the ball in a way that sent it soaring into the top corner of the goal. The goalkeeper for Den Bosch, caught off guard by the sheer brilliance of van Basten's strike, didn't even attempt to make a save.

That @MarcoVanBasten goal #OnThisDay in 1986... pic.twitter.com/olrnwUohgc

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) November 9, 2023

9. Trevor Sinclair

vs Barnsley (1997)

During a captivating FA Cup Fourth Round match in January 1997, Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Barnsley engaged in a thrilling encounter. Ultimately, it was QPR who emerged as 3-2 victors, courtesy of a moment of pure footballing brilliance from a young Trevor Sinclair.

In a remarkable display of skill, Sinclair found himself in the perfect position when a deep cross from the right was sent in, albeit with wayward accuracy. Undeterred by the seemingly errant delivery, Sinclair executed an outstanding overhead kick. The strike possessed such power that it sailed over the Barnsley goalkeeper and found the back of the net, despite Sinclair being positioned outside the penalty area at the time.

8. Wayne Rooney

vs Manchester City (2011)

There will undoubtedly be individuals who are genuinely astonished to see this goal ranked so low on the list, and they do have a valid point. Let's not overlook the significance of this overhead kick, as it served as the winning goal in a pivotal Manchester derby that concluded a lengthy saga surrounding Wayne Rooney's potential move to Manchester City. In fact, it was even deemed the Best Goal of the first 20 seasons of the Premier League by the official league authorities.

However, as we emphasized from the beginning, our focus is primarily on technique above all else. And the reality is that Rooney didn't make clean contact with the ball, as he unfortunately shinned it. Despite the remarkable adjustment he had to make to convert Nani's deflected cross into an overhead kick and secure a memorable Manchester derby victory, this goal ultimately claims the eighth spot on our list.

.@WayneRooney likes to ride his bicycle #PL25 pic.twitter.com/VZe6HgO9GF

— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) August 16, 2017

7. Emre Can

vs Watford (2017)

The inclusion of a third entry from a Liverpool player on this list is well-deserved, and without a doubt, this one stands out as the best. Emre Can may not have been known for his prolific goal-scoring ability during his time at Anfield, but his overhead kick in May 2017 was nothing short of magnificent.

What made this goal particularly remarkable was the fact that Can was actually making a run into the Watford penalty area when the ball was delivered to him. With only a split second to react, he swiftly adjusted his body positioning to be in the right place to execute a picture-perfect bicycle kick. The strike soared past the goalkeeper, Heurelho Gomes, and proved to be the decisive goal in a crucial victory for Liverpool's top-four aspirations.

A moment of individual brilliance #GoalOfTheDay @emrecan_ pic.twitter.com/HjoBF3YXhm

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2019

6. Philippe Mexes

vs Anderlecht (2012)

This particular goal earns significant recognition due to the circumstances surrounding it. Philippe Mexes, primarily a defender, had only scored a total of seven goals during his five-year tenure with AC Milan. However, in a crucial Champions League group stage match against Anderlecht, Mexes seized the opportunity to make an impact.

The goal stemmed from a lackluster free-kick delivery by Riccardo Montolivo. Mexes, having to readjust his position, tracked back to meet the ball on the edge of the penalty area. Despite facing away from the goal, the Frenchman displayed remarkable skill by controlling the ball on his chest before executing a sensational bicycle kick over his own head. The audacious strike arched its way over the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.

Mexes' remarkable and unexpected goal played a pivotal role in AC Milan's 3-1 victory, securing their progression to the knockout stages of the tournament. This moment will forever be etched in the memory of football fans, highlighting Mexes' ability to produce moments of brilliance even as a defender.

5. Rivaldo

vs Valencia (2001)

Without a doubt, this story stands as one of the most extraordinary on the list. It unfolds on the final day of the challenging 2000/01 season, where Barcelona found themselves in a must-win situation against Valencia at the iconic Nou Camp. Their objective was to surpass Valencia in the standings and secure a coveted spot in the following season's Champions League.

In this high-stakes encounter, Rivaldo emerged as a one-man force, determined to make the impossible happen. He showcased his brilliance by scoring two breathtaking long-range goals in the first half. However, Valencia seemed to have an answer for everything Barcelona threw at them, and with just three minutes remaining, the scoreline stood at 2-2, which wouldn't be enough for Barca.

Yet, in a final act of sheer audacity, Rivaldo had one last trick up his sleeve. Frank de Boer lofted the ball towards the Brazilian forward, who found himself positioned on the edge of the Valencia box. Rivaldo astoundingly chested the ball up into the air, with his back to the goal, before unleashing a powerful bicycle kick that found the bottom corner of the net. The Nou Camp erupted into a state of delirium, captivated by the sheer brilliance of Rivaldo's strike.

#BarçaValencia 
@RIVALDOOFICIAL  pic.twitter.com/qN3zt0pnP9

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 14, 2019

4. Alejandro Garnacho

vs Everton (2023)

Throughout the introduction, we've built anticipation for this particular goal, and without a doubt, we firmly believe it ranks among the finest overhead kick goals ever witnessed. This extraordinary moment unfolded a mere three minutes into Manchester United's match against Everton at Goodison Park. Everton, still reeling from a 10-point deduction for violating Profit and Sustainability regulations, made their dissatisfaction with the Premier League apparent in a fervent manner. However, it was an Argentine who silenced the disgruntled crowd with a truly exceptional overhead kick.

As the player doubled back to meet a swiftly delivered cross from Diogo Dalot, he displayed remarkable athleticism and technique. The execution was flawless, as he connected with the ball perfectly, sending it soaring into the top corner of Jordan Pickford's goal. In our opinion, it stands as the greatest overhead kick ever witnessed in the Premier League.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

vs England (2012)

In an international friendly that unfolded in a truly peculiar manner, featuring England debuts for the likes of Steven Caulker, Ryan Shawcross, Carl Jenkinson, and even Wilfried Zaha, who later opted to represent Ivory Coast, it was a Swedish player who emerged as the standout performer. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, already having secured a hat-trick, concluded his commanding display with a truly magnificent goal.

The sequence leading up to the goal was rather unconventional. A long ball was launched down the pitch, prompting goalkeeper Joe Hart to venture out of his area in an attempt to clear the danger. However, being outside of his comfort zone, Hart could only manage a weak header that unintentionally went over Ibrahimovic. Nonetheless, this posed no obstacle for the forward, who swiftly adjusted his body positioning and executed a remarkable overhead kick from an astonishing distance of 25 yards. Despite a desperate lunge from Shawcross, the ball found its way into the net, leaving everyone in awe.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

vs Juventus (2018)

Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in football rankings is a familiar sight, often finding himself in second place. His overhead kick against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final in April 2018 was undeniably remarkable for various reasons, although it surprisingly wasn't even the best goal of that kind scored by a Real Madrid player in that specific European campaign. But we'll touch on that later.

This goal from the Portuguese superstar exemplified his exceptional ability to read the game. It all began when Dani Carvajal received the ball outside the penalty area on the right-hand side of the pitch. Carvajal drove towards the by-line, only to be closed down by Alex Sandro, leaving him with no choice but to deliver a seemingly uninspiring cross. However, Ronaldo, displaying his incredible anticipation, positioned himself precisely where the ball was destined to drop. In a blink of an eye, he flung himself into the air, executing a perfectly timed bicycle kick. The images captured after the game revealed Ronaldo fully horizontal and around six feet in the air, leaving us mere mortals astonished at his incredible feat.

1. Gareth Bale

vs Liverpool (2018)

Merely six weeks following Cristiano Ronaldo's extraordinary overhead kick, his teammate Gareth Bale produced a similarly sublime goal, which, due to its significance in the Champions League final, edges it as the number one on our list. The match was finely poised at 1-1 between Real Madrid and Liverpool, with just under thirty minutes remaining, when Marcelo delivered a hopeful cross from the left flank. Despite the ball being behind him, Bale instinctively propelled his body into the air, executing a breathtaking bicycle kick that soared past the helpless Loris Karius and nestled into the back of the net.

This exceptional strike showcased Bale's incredible athleticism, timing, and technique. The goal proved to be a turning point in the match as it provided Real Madrid with the momentum they needed to secure their 13th Champions League title. The Welshman would go on to score another goal later in the match, solidifying Los Blancos' victory.

Gareth Bale's bicycle kick against Liverpool has in the Champions League final has NOT been nominated for UEFA's Goal of the Season!  pic.twitter.com/EEdIYkHkUN

— FootballZ (@Footballllz) August 15, 2018

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