Physics Be Damned: Ranking the Most Iconic Curled Goals in Football History, Video

• There's a certain technique, power and magic for a professional football player to execute a perfect curled goal
• For fans, watching the ball swerve and dip into the back of the net with precision and finesse is a joy that few match
• Here are some of the most outrageous curled goals scored from impossible positions on the pitch in football history

Football fans worldwide have witnessed countless breathtaking moments on the pitch, but few can match the sheer thrill of a perfectly curled goal.

These shots are not only a testament to the players' skill and precision but also a reminder of the game's beauty and unpredictability.

Sports Brief explores the most satisfying curled goals scored in football history, highlighting the exceptional technique and artistry that goes into making these moments truly unforgettable.

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Football

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Spain (2018)

The 33-year-old superstar couldn’t have gotten off to a better start at World Cup 2018, producing a majestic hat trick capped by one of the most pressure-packed late free-kick goals you’ll ever see. Ronaldo began his big night almost from the opening whistle, drawing a penalty from Nacho to open the scoring in the fourth minute.

As reported by Sky Sports, Ronaldo fired a low shot at David De Gea for his brace, and capped it off by taking advantage of an unwise foul by Gerard Piqué to curl home the late equalizer when it looked like Portugal was done.

Toni Kroos vs Rayo Vallecano (2014)

In November 2014, Toni Kroos scored his first goal for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano.

This goal showcased the German midfielder's ability to adapt to different situations and his precision from long-range shots. Kroos' shot was a testament to his exceptional technique and his ability to make the most of his opportunities.

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Football

Juninho vs Barcelona (2009)

In February 2009, Brazilian Juninho scored a free-kick in the Champions League against FC Barcelona, so good that it almost defied the laws of physics. From a ridiculously tight angle, the sharpshooter took aim and produced a stunning effort that somehow dipped below Victor Valdes' crossbar and into the back of the net.

David Beckham vs Greece (2001)

According to CBS Sports, David Beckham's sensational free-kick against Greece was a pivotal moment in his England career.

Trailing 2-1 in a must-win 2002 World Cup qualifier, the former Real Madrid man's remarkable strike in stoppage time secured a crucial 2-2 draw, sending the Three Lions to the finals in South Korea and Japan. With Greece standing firm, Beckham's audacious and precise free kick from 30 yards out displayed unparalleled skill and nerve. The bend, power, and dip of the ball showcased his artistry, solidifying his legacy as a maestro of the game.

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Football

Lionel Messi vs Liverpool (2019)

Lionel Messi hit a major benchmark against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League in 2019, and did so in stunning fashion. In the 82nd minute, the Argentinian curled a free kick into the top left corner—past a diving Alisson—to give Barcelona a 3-0 lead, which is how the match finished. The goal was his 600th in all competitions for the Blaugrana.

Roberto Carlos vs France (1997)

On June 3rd, 1997, Roberto Carlos stunned the world with one of the most spectacular free-kicks the game has ever witnessed.

In the pre-1998 World Cup warm-up competition, LeTournoi, the Brazilian left-back, struck the ball with the outside of his left boot, and as far as goalkeeper Fabian Barthez and everyone else in the Stade de Gerland was concerned, his effort was heading harmlessly wide. But after swerving around the French wall, the ball took on a life of its own, changing direction at the last second and curling goalwards and into the net, kissing the post on its way.

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Football

Other notable brilliant curled goals

• Cisse vs Chelsea
• El Shaarawy goal vs Juventus
• Junior Stanislas vs Man United
• Luis Suárez vs Real Sociedad
• Ricardo Quaresma vs Frankfurt
• Di Maria vs Nantes
• Karim Benzema vs Spain
• Coutinho vs Switzerland
• Ziyech vs Tottenham

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Sports Brief reported the global ranking for the world's best passers in 2024.

Footballers are considered the best passers worldwide and are naturally gifted in distributing balls.

To be a king of the pass in football, they must know how to move the ball quickly and put it in an excellent position for a goal.