It was a goal that even took Zinedine Zidane’s breath away. Launching himself at Dani Carvajal’s cross as it looped across the penalty area, Cristiano Ronaldo and his right boot connected with the ball at the astonishing height of two metres and 77 centimetres off the ground – nine feet in old money – and then watched as it sailed past a helpless Gianluigi Buffon.
Clasping his head in disbelief on the touchline before turning away with a disbelieving smile, Zidane was not the only one to question what he had just seen.
“I don’t know if Cristiano’s goal is the best in the history of football, but it’s certainly an extraordinary goal,” said the Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri. “You can only congratulate him for what he’s doing at present.”
But while the internet marvelled at Ronaldo’s latest masterpiece, already the critics were having their say. Rivaldo? Ronaldinho? Muzzy Izzet? Trevor Sinclair? Ashley Barnes? Was this the best example of an overhead kick in history or is that taking it too far?
In no particular order, here are eight that could rival the Portugal forward’s brilliant effort.
Ashley Barnes, West Brom v Burnley, April 2018
Definitely a contender for acrobatic effort of the week until Ronaldo came along. The Burnley striker showed great anticipation to meet a cross on the full and hammer it past Ben Foster.
Oscarine Masuluke, Baroka v Orlando Pirates, November 2016
Extra points for being scored by a goalkeeper in the 96th minute of a South African league match. Masuluke missed out to Olivier Giroud for Fifa’s Puskas award for the best goal of the year, although Ronaldo – clearly a fan – admitted he had voted for this goal.
Xherdan Shaqiri, Switzerland v Poland, June 2016
The pint-sized Stoke forward has a reputation for scoring spectacular goals but this effort at Euro 2016 was astonishing for the power he managed to impart on the ball from a standing jump just outside the penalty area.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden v England, November 2012
“It was a nice goal, but he should try it from 40 metres.” Ever the diplomat, LA Galaxy’s new star wasn’t about to be gracious towards Ronaldo after this strike against England. He certainly didn’t quite scale the heights of the Real Madrid man but even to attempt it was stunning.
Philippe Mexès, Milan v Anderlecht, November 2012
Another brilliant effort that was mysteriously overlooked by the Fifa panel. The France defender even went outside the penalty area with his first touch just to make it even better.
Ronaldinho, Barcelona v Villarreal, November 2006
A goal that redefined the parameters of the overhead kick. With the ball sailing over his right shoulder after his first touch, Ronaldinho somehow managed to twist his body around in time to connect with enough power to send the ball into the corner of the net.
Rivaldo, Barcelona v Valencia, May 2001
On the final day of the La Liga season and with Barcelona on the brink of failing to qualify for the Champions League, the Brazilian’s premeditated chest up and strike completed a brilliant hat-trick
Trevor Sinclair, QPR v Barnsley, January 1997
Rated by some as the best goal ever scored in the FA Cup, Sinclair’s strike in the fourth round was one those who saw it will never forget. A high and hopeful cross from the right wing was so inaccurate that it swirled out of the penalty area as Sinclair timed his connection perfectly to smash the ball home.
