Gurgaon, Delhi, India - circa 2021 : bike rider with helmet and a swiggy tshirt showing the rapid growth of food delivery e-commerce startups unicorns decacorns and the workers who are provided jobs by them in Mumbai Pune
Football, the beautiful game, has gifted us with countless unforgettable moments. However, some of these moments stand out more than others because they are encapsulated in the form of iconic goals that have transcended time and continue to be a part of football folklore.
Arguably one of the most iconic goals ever scored was Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals. The diminutive Argentine punched the ball into the net, a clear handball violation that went unnoticed by officials. Moments later, Maradona scored another goal which is often referred to as ‘The Goal of the Century’, where he dribbled past five English players before slotting it home. These two contrasting goals underpin Maradona’s legacy as a player who combined outrageous skill with audacious rule-breaking.
Another memorable goal came from Marco van Basten in the 1988 European Championship final for Netherlands against USSR. Van Basten executed an impossible-looking volley from an acute angle on right side which looped over goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev into far corner. This stunning strike is widely regarded as one of greatest goals in history of tournament.
In club football too we’ve seen some breathtaking goals that have left fans and pundits alike awestruck. Zinedine Zidane’s left-footed volley for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 Champions League final is etched in memory for its sheer technical brilliance. Similarly, Lionel Messi’s solo effort for Barcelona against Getafe in 2007 where he ran past six defenders before scoring is reminiscent of Maradona’s second goal against England and showcases his extraordinary talent.
More recently, Cristiano Ronaldo’s overhead kick for Real Madrid against Juventus during 2018 Champions League quarter-final stands out due to its audacity and perfect execution under pressure at highest level. That particular goal received standing ovation from opposition fans – a testament to its brilliance.
These iconic goals not only represent the individual brilliance of players, but also signify important moments in football history. They encapsulate the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that make football such a beloved sport worldwide. These goals have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated for their creativity, audacity and technical excellence.
Even as we appreciate these past masterpieces, we eagerly look forward to future iconic goals that will further enrich this beautiful game. Every World Cup tournament, Champions League season or domestic league match is an opportunity for new stars to emerge and etch their names into football’s rich tapestry with a goal that could become part of our collective memory. In essence, it is these moments of magic that truly epitomize why football is often referred to as ‘The Beautiful Game’.
