Was Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s moment of skill and athletic ability the greatest goal of all time?
It is a debate that began on Thursday after his incredible fourth goal in Sweden’s 4-2 friendly success against England on Wednesday night.
There have been some sensational goals of all-time in the history of football but who has scored the greatest?
There is always the definition of what is a ‘good’ goal? After all, a tap-in from two yards counts just as much as a cheeky effort from the halfway line.
However, some goals are quickly forgotten by fans when they leave the stadium and others are frequently replayed for years and generations to come.
Total Football’s Simon Wright has decided to select 15 of his favourites. While there is no order, here are some of his choices of the greatest goals of all-time and there is a range of breathtaking volleys, outstanding bicycle kicks, stunning solo runs and audacious efforts out of the ordinary.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Sweden v England (International friendly, November 2012)
There have been times in his career when Zlatan Ibrahimovic (pictured) has not quite delivered against English clubs, especially in the Champions League but he certainly delivered in this international friendly. Truly amazing. Watch it here
Diego Maradona – Argentina v England (World Cup quarter-final, June 1986)
Diego Maradona was a genius, whose career as a player might have been dogged by drug bans but on the pitch, he was just wonderful to watch.
After the controversial 'Hand of God' goal to give Argentina the lead in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, he went on a solo run from the centre circle, twisting, turning and beating England challenges at will. It was voted as FIFA's Goal of the Century in 2002 and is still among many people's top five today.
Paolo di Canio – West Ham United v Wimbledon (FA Premier League, March 2000)
One of the finest goals the Premier League has ever seen. Paolo di Canio lifted both feet off the ground to meet Trevor Sinclair's sweeping cross in the ninth minute.
He was literally airborne as he powered this shot past Neil Sullivan. It was a sensational strike of true quality from a player who always set high standards. Watch it here on YouTube.
Marco van Basten – Holland v USSR (European Championship final, June 1988)
This is one of my personal favourites of all-time. Holland were already 1-0 up in the Euro 88 final against the USSR when van Basten hit this incredible volley from a difficult angle to seal victory. I never grow tired of seeing this strike over and over again.
Manuel Negrete – Mexico v Bulgaria (World Cup second round, June 1986)
Mexico were hosts of the World Cup for the second time in 16 years and they reached the quarter-finals in 1986. One of the goals of the decade came from talented midfielder Manuel Negrete, with this delightful volley from the edge of the penalty area in the second round clash with Bulgaria. The Azteca Stadium witnessed something special.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United v Manchester City (FA Premier League, February 2011)
Sometimes, words can't describe goals and how they are scored. So sit back and watch this special goal from Wayne Rooney.
Zinedine Zidane – Bayer Leverkusen v Real Madrid (UEFA Champions League final, May 2002)
The biggest stage in club football is the UEFA Champions League final and this was a goal fitting to win any final. Zinedine Zidane was fantastic to watch and this was his greatest moment.
On the stroke of half-time, he controlled this volley from a very high Roberto Carlos cross at Hampden Park and struck it cleanly into the top corner of the Bayer Leverkusen net.
Real Madrid haven't won the Champions League since. Perhaps they need the great Zidane back amongst their ranks.
George Weah – AC Milan v Verona (Serie A, August 1996)
One of the greatest goals of the 1990s was scored in Serie A by Liberian striker George Weah. He collected the ball in his own penalty area from a Verona corner and ran the entire length of the pitch, before finishing coolly. This goal was truly special.
Carlos Alberto – Brazil v Italy (World Cup final, June 1970)
One of the greatest World Cup final goals came from Carlos Alberto in the great Brazilian side of the 1970s but rather than allow me to describe it, I think we should leave it to the man himself.
Matt Le Tissier – Southampton v Newcastle United (FA Premier League, October 1993)
Matt Le Tissier was the perfect example of a one-man club. Time after time, he kept Southampton in the Premier League with his stunning goals. One of his best and my favourite from his collection was this goal against Newcastle in October 1993.
He used great art and composure to beat two advancing Magpies defenders, before stroking the ball calmly past Mike Hooper.
He scored 24 goals that season as the Saints narrowly avoided relegation, so this was a crucial goal as well as a special goal.
Ryan Giggs – Arsenal v Manchester United (FA Cup semi-final replay, April 1999)
The 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay betwen Arsenal and Manchester United was one of the best English games seen throughout the 1990s and it got a stunning finish.
Ryan Giggs capitalised on a careless piece of posession given away by Patrick Vieira and then went on a mazy run in extra-time, beating at least four Arsenal players.
He then provided a stunning strike to beat David Seaman and take the Red Devils to Wembley.
Ricky Villa – Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City (FA Cup final replay, May 1981)
This goal is my favourite in the history of the FA Cup final. After being replaced during the first match, Ricky Villa responded in the replay in the best way possible.
He scored twice, with his second goal simply being a work of quality and craft. It is still one of the cup's most iconic moments.
Saeed Owairan – Belgium v Saudi Arabia (World Cup group stage, June 1994)
Not many people in the football circle will have heard of Saeed Owairan but the video below shows not just the greatest goal of the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA but one of the best individual goals in the competition's history.
Owairan collected the ball on the edge of the Saudi penalty area and just kept running at Belgium's terrified defenders. The finish was stylish too and it took the unfancied Asians into the second round.
David Beckham – Wimbledon v Manchester United (FA Premier League, August 1996)
On the opening day of the 1996-97 Premier League season, David Beckham scored a remarkable goal in the dying stages against Wimbledon.
With the game already won, Beckham spotted Neil Sullivan off his line and from the halfway line, produced the most accurate lob which beat the hapless Dons goalkeeper.
It is another goal that is replayed over and over again and took it's goalscorer to international recognition and celebrity fame.
Thierry Henry – Arsenal v Manchester United (FA Premier League, October 2000)
Finally, no top 15 list would be complete without something special from Thierry Henry.
With back to goal against Manchester United, he produced this deliberate piece of skill that left his French team-mate Fabian Barthez bewildered. It was one of the greatest goals on the famous Highbury turf.
The debate will rumble on for a good time to come but what we can all agree on is that those watching in the Friends Arena on Wednesday night and around the world on television witnessed something special.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been a frustrating player to watch at times throughout his career but he can produce some genius and what everyone saw on Wednesday night was a finish of unbelievable quality.
By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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