Discover the most breathtaking solo goals ever scored in football, where players displayed pure skill, control, and brilliance to create unforgettable moments.
The Best Solo Goals Ever Scored in Football History
In the beautiful game of football, few things are as mesmerizing as a perfectly executed solo goal. It’s the moment when a player takes control, weaves through defenders, and scores in a way that leaves fans speechless. These goals not only highlight a player’s individual brilliance but also showcase the raw emotion, creativity, and freedom that make football the world’s most beloved sport.
From dazzling dribbles to long, mazy runs from deep within a player’s own half, solo goals are reminders of how magical the game can be. In this article, we celebrate the most iconic and unforgettable solo goals ever witnessed in football history.
1. Diego Maradona vs. England (1986 World Cup)
It would be impossible to start a list like this without the greatest solo goal in World Cup history—Diego Maradona’s legendary strike against England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
After receiving the ball in his own half, Maradona danced past five English players—Peter Beardsley, Steve Hodge, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher, and Terry Fenwick—before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The goal was pure genius. It was not just about pace and control but also about vision and audacity. This goal sealed his status as one of football’s all-time greats.
2. Lionel Messi vs. Getafe (2007)
Lionel Messi, often referred to as the modern Maradona, delivered a goal eerily similar to his fellow Argentine’s 1986 masterpiece.
In a Copa del Rey match against Getafe, Messi picked up the ball near the halfway line and proceeded to beat four defenders and the goalkeeper with jaw-dropping balance and footwork. He covered over 60 meters with the ball, showcasing his impeccable control, speed, and finishing touch.
This goal reminded fans of why Messi is not just a goal scorer but an artist on the pitch.
3. George Weah vs. Verona (1996)
When George Weah scored his legendary solo goal for AC Milan against Verona, it was a goal that stunned everyone in the stadium.
Starting from inside his own penalty box, Weah sprinted the full length of the pitch, brushing aside multiple defenders before finishing with composure. This goal demonstrated his extraordinary physicality, intelligence, and sheer determination.
It remains one of the most famous solo efforts in Serie A history and helped cement Weah’s legacy as one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
4. Gareth Bale vs. Barcelona (2014 Copa del Rey Final)
Gareth Bale’s goal in the 2014 Copa del Rey final was a masterclass in athleticism and speed.
With the match delicately poised, Bale received the ball on the left wing, nudged it past Barcelona defender Marc Bartra, and sprinted off the pitch to retrieve it. He then outpaced Bartra again, entered the penalty area, and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.
The goal was the definition of a solo run powered by explosive pace and control, and it won Real Madrid the trophy.
5. Ronaldo Nazário vs. Compostela (1996)
In his early years at Barcelona, Ronaldo Nazário scored a goal against Compostela that was nothing short of breathtaking.
After muscling his way through midfield and brushing aside several tackles, he glided into the box with composure and scored. The goal was a blend of brute strength, elegant touch, and footballing intelligence, showing why Ronaldo was considered the most complete forward of his generation.
Even then-manager Bobby Robson held his head in disbelief—a moment forever etched in football lore.
6. Ryan Giggs vs. Arsenal (1999 FA Cup Semi-Final)
Ryan Giggs delivered one of the most iconic solo goals in English football during the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay.
With the match in extra time, Giggs picked up the ball near the halfway line, dribbled past four Arsenal defenders—including Patrick Vieira and Martin Keown—and blasted the ball into the roof of the net. Shirtless celebration included.
This goal became symbolic of Manchester United’s treble-winning season and is still revered by fans across the world.
7. Mohamed Salah vs. Manchester City (2021)
In a high-stakes Premier League clash, Mohamed Salah showcased just how complete a modern forward can be.
Salah danced past Joao Cancelo, turned Aymeric Laporte inside out, and then fired past Ederson with a lethal finish. The goal had it all—dribbling, balance, strength, and a perfect finish under pressure.
It was hailed as one of the greatest goals of the Premier League era, underlining Salah’s status as a modern-day football icon.
8. Eden Hazard vs. Arsenal (2017)
Eden Hazard often mesmerized defenders during his Chelsea days, but none more so than during this solo goal against Arsenal.
Picking up the ball in midfield, Hazard shrugged off Coquelin, sliced through the defense, and calmly beat Petr Čech. The goal encapsulated everything Hazard was known for—close control, low center of gravity, and finesse.
A truly brilliant effort in a fierce London derby.
9. Son Heung-min vs. Burnley (2019)
Son Heung-min gave fans one of the most incredible solo goals of recent years when Tottenham faced Burnley.
After receiving the ball on the edge of his own box, Son ran the length of the pitch, dodging defenders like a skier through slalom gates, and finished with clinical precision. It was a goal that earned him the Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.
This moment proved that solo brilliance is alive and well in modern football.
10. Hidetoshi Nakata vs. Juventus (2000)
Hidetoshi Nakata, one of Asia’s most iconic footballers, delivered a stunning solo goal for AS Roma against Juventus.
Driving the ball forward from midfield, Nakata skipped past challenges with incredible balance and unleashed a powerful shot past the goalkeeper. It was a rare moment of solo excellence in a big match, making it unforgettable for fans in Italy and across Asia.
Why Solo Goals Matter So Much in Football
Solo goals are the epitome of individual genius in a team sport. While teamwork is the foundation of football, there are moments when a single player takes it upon themselves to change the outcome. These goals are not just highlights; they are emotional experiences, etched into the memories of fans.
Whether it’s the drama of a cup final or the grind of a league match, solo goals provide the spark that makes football truly magical.
Conclusion: Celebrating Individual Brilliance in Football
From Maradona’s run in Mexico to Salah’s twist and turn in Liverpool, solo goals continue to remind us why we fell in love with football in the first place. They showcase heart, determination, artistry, and imagination—all the qualities that make a footballer legendary.
So to all football fans out there: keep supporting the beautiful game, keep cheering for those moments of magic, and never stop celebrating EW8—because the next unforgettable solo goal could happen in the very next match. ⚽🔥