THE greatest goal in football history. Not the greatest World Cup goal — the greatest goal EVER SCORED. Diego Maradona picked up the ball in his own half, turned towards the England goal, and dribbled past FIVE English players — Beardsley, Reid, Butcher, Fenwick, and goalkeeper Shilton — before slotting into the empty net. Sixty yards. Eleven seconds. Five defenders beaten. ONE genius. The Goal of the Century!
Country: Argentina | Opponent: England | Year: 1986
Round: Quarter-final | Score: Argentina 2-1 England | Minute: 55'
The Moment
- Maradona received the ball in his own half and dribbled 60 yards past five English players and the goalkeeper
- He beat Beardsley, Reid, Butcher (twice), Fenwick, and Shilton in an 11-second masterpiece
- Officially voted the 'Goal of the Century' by FIFA in a worldwide poll in 2002
- It came just four minutes after his controversial 'Hand of God' goal in the same match
- The goal is replayed more than any other in football history and remains the benchmark for individual brilliance
The Verdict
There will never be another goal like this. In 140 years of football, nobody has produced anything close to what Maradona did against England in Mexico City. Five defenders, one goalkeeper, all beaten by a 5'5" man with the ball glued to his left foot. The Goal of the Century is the #1 greatest World Cup goal of all time, and it always will be!
Thank You for Following World Cup Goals!
Over the past 30 days, we've counted down the greatest goals in World Cup history. From Van Persie's flying header to Maradona's Goal of the Century, these moments proved that the World Cup is the ultimate stage for football greatness.
What is YOUR #1 World Cup goal? Let us know in the comments!
