Football, also referred as soccer, is the most famous game of the modern world. Every match of football is watched by thousands of fans in the stadium and millions of football lovers throughout the world. Every penalty kick, goal kick and corner kick soars the excitement of fans, with some unforgettable moments to be cherished for lifetime.
But that’s not it! Some moments become the symbol of the team, and in some cases, the nation. These moments emerges new heroes and icons to follow and respect. We have accumulated a list of 10 greatest football moments of all time, by making quality checks, historic value, and symbolism.
Top 10 Greatest Football Moments Ever
10. Bergkamp Gets the Ball from the Sky
The Match
Netherland vs Argentina at Stade Velodrome
World Cup quarterfinal, 4 July 1998
The Moment
It is 89th minute of the game, and the score is equal with 1-1 each. But then what happened in the last minute was completely astonishing. Netherland’s Frank De Boer hits a wonderful 60-yard and the ball goes touching the sky. At that moment, Dennis Bergkamp was there waiting for the ball. As soon as, the ball reached him, he handled the ball flawlessly. He dodges Ayala and then twists the ball to hit the net, deceiving the goalkeeper. Watch this moment.
Match Result
Netherlands 2-1 Argentina.
The Greatness
The last moment of the match is regarded as the most wonderful last minute in football history.
9. The Team Effort of Dutch Players
The Match
Netherlands vs West Germany at Olympiastadion
World Cup final, 7 July 1974
The Moment
As soon as the match started, the first minute was waiting to become history. The confident Dutch players’ unleashed one of the best ball passing man has ever seen. Eight out of Eleven Dutch players contributed in this 17-pass move, which resulted in a deserving goal. But the best thing was that the passes were so flawless, that the Germans didn’t even got the chance to touch the ball once.
Match Result
Netherlands 1-2 West Germany
The Greatness
First minute of the game was extraordinary, due to the marvelous passing of the Dutch players.
8. Real Madrid’s Famous Win
The Match
Real Madrid vs Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden Park
European Cup Final, 18 May 1960
The Moment
The first 18 minutes were dull for Real Madrid and they were having hard time. But soon Real Mardrid realized that Eintracht Frankfurt’ defense is not that strong.
Players of Real Madrid then started concentrating to attack, and gave a splendid play for spectators to watch and remember. In a course of 37 minutes, they made zealous lead in the game, with some awe-inspiring moments of the history.
Match Result
Real Madrid 7-3 Eintracht Frankfurt
The Greatness
The rhythm and enthusiasm and ‘into the game’ behavior was astonishing. That’s why, this match is regarded as one of the best football matches ever played.
7. Hungary Surprised! Changed the History
The Match
England vs Hungary at Wembley
Friendly match, 22 November 1953
The Moment
England was never beaten in its homeland ever. It made Engalnd undefeated for around 90 years at home. But 22 November, 1953 was just not their day!
Hangarian Players were keen to make history from the start. They made a goal in first 45 seconds in the game – and the lead continued. They made equally magnificent goals to shatter the hopes of English audience.
Match Result
England 3-6 Hungary
The Greatness
This match records stunning team efforts, and one of the best and greatest football moments ever.
6. Italian Rossi “Made Brazil Cry”
The Match
Brazil vs Italy at Estadio Sarria
World Cup second stage, 5 July 1982
The Moment
Paolo Rossi, who just returned from his betting scandal recently, was just there to prove his worth. And Boy! Did he? Although, the whole match is a football classic to watch, the last goal from Rossi to get lead from Brazil, was splendid.
His autobiography was named as “I made Brazil cry”, to tribute his extreme efforts in that match.
Match Result
Brazil 2-3 Italy
The Greatness
This particular match is considered as the best football World Cup match, ever played.
5. Uruguay Smashed Dreams of Brazil
The Match
Uruguay vs Brazil at Maracana
World Cup final stage, 16 July 1950
The Moment
Brazilians were sure of their success against Uruguay, keeping in context their previous performances. They were in their home ground and thought of it as a piece of cake. But what happened in those 90 minutes was a history to be remembered!
The match was going tight with 1-1 score. And Uruguay was really pushing it, and making their best moves to make another goal. 12 minutes were left in the game and there was the moment. Ghiggia played a heroic role to score the last unforgettable goal of the match.
Match Result
Uruguay 2-1 Brazil
The Greatness
The match is remembered as one of the best of football World Cup and one of the best of all time.
4. The Miracle of Bern
The Match
West Germany vs Hungary at Wankdorf Stadium
World Cup final, 4 July 1954
The Moment
Hungary was favorite to win the World Cup. In fact, they didn’t lost any match in nearly 4 years. But West Germany did what was miraculous. Brazil had a lead of 2-0 initially but soon the Germans decided to give it all. They displayed a perfect attack, and the most remembered comeback in football, to score three goals.
Match Result
West Germany 3-2 Hungary
The Greatness
This match is as classic as it gets, of an underdog beating a highly favored team.
3. Brazil’s Zeal for the World Cup
The Match
Brazil vs USSR at Ullevi Stadium
World Cup group stage, 15 June 1958
The Moment
Brazil was craving to win the World Cup the first time. But they had to beat USSR to get to the quarterfinals. Brazilians were nervous but when they started to play, they gave their utmost best to the game. The only 2 goals of the match were scored within three minutes. Pelé shined in that match like a star, who was then an unknown new player.
Match Result
Brazil 2-0 USSR
The Greatness
The turning minutes are regarded as the best three minutes ever played in football. 3rd among Greatest Football Moments Ever.
2. Magic of Maradona
The Match
Argentina vs England at Azteca Stadium
World Cup quarter-final, 22 June 1986
The Moment
The match was going amazingly tight, with equal score of one each, from both sides. But then happened something – magical. Mardona showed the work of his feet and magnificently dodged half of the English team to reach his final position. He then executed a text book shot to execute the game changing goal.
Match Result
Argentina 2-1 England
The Greatness
The supernatural goal scored by Maradona is considered as the best individual goal ever scored in football.
1. “The Carnival”
The Match
Brazil vs Italy at Azteca Stadium
World Cup final, 21 June 1970
The Moment
Brazil was going with lead 3-1 and had not much to worry about. But the world was near to see the best moment of the history.
Brazilian Clodoaldo starts taking the ball by deceiving four of the Italians, and gives a fine pass to Rivelino. From Rivelino ball goes to Jairzinho, who then dogdes two Italians and pass the ball to Pelé. Pelé waited a little for Alberto to come up. He then pushes the ball to Alberto, and Alberto makes no mistake to register the best collaborative goal ever scored.
Match Result
Brazil 4-1 Italy
The Greatness
The best team effort and the greatest football moments ever seen in history. This more-than-perfect team collaboration made the moment, the climax of the art – football.
Written By: Ghulam Qadar