Top 5 Best Diving Header Goals in History After Kevin De Bruyne Scores Beauty vs Brighton in EPL

• Kevin De Bruyne scored a spectacular diving header in the win against Brighton on Thursday
• His goal drew comparisons to Robin van Persie's header against Spain in the 2014 World Cup
• Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba scored superb diving header goals in the Premier League

Here comes the flying Belgian.

Kevin De Bruyne scored one of the best goals of his career on Thursday, finding the back of the net with a diving header in the win against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sports Brief looks at the five best diving header goals in history following De Bruyne's piece of magic in the Premier League.

Top 5 Diving Header Goals

1. Robin Van Persie vs. Spain (2014)

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In terms of technique and importance, nothing will top Robin van Persie's diving effort against Spain in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker became known as the Flying Dutchman after he scored an incredible diving header in the Netherlands' opening match in Group B.

He conjured an equaliser out of thin air, heading in Daley Blind's over-the-top pass from 15 yards out. He timed his run perfectly to meet the looping pass, launching himself toward the ball like a diver in an Olympic competition.

His finish was superb, to say the least. He diverted the ball into the top corner of the net, leaving Iker Casillas stranded in front of Spain's goal.

Van Persie's headed strike gave life to the Netherlands, who went on to win 5-1 in that group match.

His flying effort was nominated for the 2014 Puskas Award, per Bleacher Report.

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2. Kevin de Bruyne vs. Brighton (2024)

De Bruyne drew comparisons with Van Persie after he scored an extraordinary diving header in Manchester City's win over Brighton on Thursday night.

He picked the perfect time to score his first headed goal in the Premier League, giving Manchester City an early lead in a match they simply had to win.

He found the back of the net in style as well, producing a flying finish into the top corner off a cross from Kyle Walker.

The Belgian star timed his run perfectly, diverting Walker's cross into the roof of the net past Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, per the BBC.

Manchester City went on to win 4-0 as they cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to just one point.

3. Keith Houchen vs. Tottenham (1987)

Houchen cemented his status as a Coventry legend when he scored the best goal of his career in the 1987 FA Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur.

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He tied the match at 2-2 in the 69th minute, scoring a spectacular diving header. He diverted Dave Bennett's cross into the bottom left corner of the goal to force extra time.

Coventry went on to win their first and only FA Cup title after Tottenham's Gary Mabbutt scored an own goal in the 96th minute.

Their 3-2 victory wouldn't be possible, though, without Houchen's flying effort in the second half.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Tottenham (2009)

Ronaldo helped Manchester United secure their third consecutive Premier League title in 2009, scoring a brace in the comeback win against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

Things looked bleak for the Red Devils at one stage as they trailed Spurs 2-0 after the first half.

Ronaldo pulled a goal back with a controversial penalty in the 57th minute before adding another in the 68th minute to give United the lead for the first time.

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The Portuguese star's second goal was a thing of beauty, diverting Wayne Rooney's cross from the left flank into the back of the net with a diving header.

United went on to win 5-2, restoring their three-point lead over Liverpool at the top of the standings.

5. Didier Drogba vs. Manchester City (2006)

Drogba scored 104 goals in his illustrious Premier League career, one of which was a diving header he netted in Chelsea's 3-0 win over Manchester City in 2006.

He made sure the Blues started their title defence in style, scoring a marvelous header in the 78th minute off Wayne Bridge's cross.

The Ivorian legend had to dive low to meet the pass and still had the strength to divert the ball into the back of the net with his head.

Foden stars in win vs Brighton

Sports Brief recently reported on Phil Foden setting a unique milestone in the win against Brighton.

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He reached the 50-goal mark in the Premier League after netting a brace against the Seagulls.

Foden has now scored eight goals against Brighton in his career.