From Maradona to Pelé: this is the ranking of the ten best goals in World Cup history

There is no bigger stage than the World Cup. There is no bigger honor than playing for your country. That’s what makes the top ten goals of the World Cup so special. Cracking goals being scored against the best players on the planet while the entire world is watching. From Pele to Pavard. Maradonna to Maxi, these are the ten best goal ever scored in the history of the World Cup. It was hard enough to cut these down to 10, so I don’t dare rank them. But yes, at the top of the list is the most famous goal of all time.

Diego Maradonna, Argentina vs. England World Cup 1986

This is far from my favorite goal of the World Cup, but it’s importance, it’s significance and the scorer of the goal force my hand. Sorry to any English supporters clicking in to see some fantastic goals and have to come across the “Hand of God” goal scored by Diego Maradonna. It was dubbed the “Goal of the Century,” in a World Cup Final to give Argentina their second World Cup star. A goal scored by the best player in the world at that time in the biggest game in the countries storied history.

Benjamin Pavard, France vs. Argentina World Cup 2018

With good reason, this was named the Goal of the Tournament back in 2018. It came during France’s run to the World Cup final, during their round of 16 match up against Messi and Argentina. This was the best of seven goals in a 4-3 match that pushed France on to the quarters, and eventually their second World Cup title.

Toni Kroos, Germany vs Sweden World Cup 2018

It’s not just the timing. It’s not just the importance of the moment. It was a work of art. Late in the match, after having already lost to Mexico in their first match, Tony Kroos steps up and saves the day for Germany to secure the win in stoppage time over Sweden.

James Rodriguez, Colombia vs. Uruguay World Cup 2014

The Colombian sizzled on to the scene in the 2014 World Cup, catching the eye of not only Real Madrid, but the Puskas Award voters with this volley off his chest. James won the Golden Boot with his 6 World Cup goals, but none topped this masterpiece.

Maxi Rodriguez, Argentina vs. Mexico World Cup 2006

Much like James, Maxi Rodriguez took it off the chest and volleyed it into the back of the net. What made this one special other than the pure precision, is it was from outside the box, and rocketed across the face of goal. A stoppage time stunner to send Argentina to the quarterfinals.

Gio Van Bronkhorst, Netherlands vs Uruguay World Cup 2010

Another one of those goals that comes out of nothing, and leaves everyone picking their jaws off the floor. The wonder goal from the Dutch lefty was the opener in the semifinal against Uruguay, and helped the push the Netherlands on to the final against Spain.

Robin Van Persie, Netherlands vs. Spain World Cup 2014

Revenge is a dish best served with a flying header from the flying Dutchman. Four years after losing the World Cup final to Spain, the Netherlands played them in group stages and embarrassed the defending champions. A 5-1 win over Spain sent them on a crash course out of the group stages with this goal being the most replayed highlight of an embarrassing campaign from the Spaniards.

Pele, Brazil vs Sweden World Cup 1958

We couldn’t have a list of World Cup goals without O`Rei. The King of the World Cup was a three time winner, and scored 12 goals in his 14 matches in the tournament. The best of his goals came against Sweden when he was just 17 years old. A control, a sombrero and a volley to start what would become the most legendary career of one of the sports biggest and brightest stars.

Dennis Bergkamp, Netherlands vs Sweden World Cup 1998

It was a quarterfinal battle between two heavyweights. Europe against South America. It was tight. It was tense. It needed a stroke of genius to decide a winner. Dennis Bergkamp once again proved he has the silkiest touch around with his miraculous control that he made look effortless before slotting home the game winner in the 90th minute to move the Netherlands on to the semifinals.

Manuel Negrete Mexico vs. Bulgaria World Cup 1986

I have a soft spot in my heart for bicycle kicks, scissor kicks and any sort of over head, acrobatic feat of brilliance. You don’t really see many of them in the World Cup, which is why Manuel Negrete makes my list.

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