10 of the best World Cup goal celebrations in the history of the competition

10 of the best World Cup goal celebrations in the history of the competition

Over the years, footballers have invented various styles to celebrate their goals. Some dance while others showcase their acrobatic moves. This article recounts the top 10 best World Cup goal celebrations that fans will remember for years.

Best World Cup goal celebrations
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after netting a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group D match against Nigeria, at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on 26th June 2018. Photo: Fatih Aktas
Source: Getty Images

Not all players celebrate after scoring. Others give a simple fist pump in the air and move on. However, some goals are worth celebrating, especially a last-minute equalizer or the winning strike.

FIFA World Cup celebrations

Did you watch Julius Aghahowa's several backflips at the 2002 World Cup? It is one of the top 10 best World Cup goal celebrations. Brian Laudrup, Zinedine Zidane, and Andres Iniesta also produced memorable celebrations after scoring in the global tournament.

10. Bebeto vs Netherlands (1994)

Top 10 best World Cup goal celebrations
Mazinho (L), Bebeto (C), and Romario (R) of Brazil celebrate a goal against the Netherlands. Photo: Mark Leech
Source: Getty Images

The legendary Brazilian forward scored his country's second in their 3-2 quarterfinals victory over the Netherlands in the 1994 World Cup. Bebeto expressed his joy by doing the iconic 'rocking the cradle' gesture with his hands to welcome his newborn child. Since then, many footballing fathers have replicated the gesture after scoring.

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9. Roger Milla vs Romania (1990)

Interesting World Cup celebrations
Roger Milla celebrates scoring a goal during a first-round 1990 FIFA World Cup match against Romania. Cameroon won 2-1. Photo: Renard
Source: Getty Images

Milla starred in the 1990 World Cup, leading Cameroon to the quarterfinals. His iconic celebration also became one of the talks in the tournament. Milla would run to the corner and proceed to shake his hips every time he scored.

8. Siphiwe Tshabalala vs Mexico (2010)

Which is the best World Cup celebration?
Siphiwe Tshabalala (2nd from right) of South Africa celebrates with teammates during their FIFA World Cup match against Mexico at Soccer City Stadium on 11th June 2010. Photo: Christof Koepsel
Source: Getty Images

Tshabalala scored the first World Cup goal in 2010 and performed one of the most interesting World Cup celebrations. His teammates joined him, with their arms outstretched as they danced an interpretation of the Macarena, surrounded by vuvuzela noise.

7. Robbie Keane vs Saudi Arabia (2002)

Best celebrations in the World Cup
Robbie Keane of the Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FIFA World Cup Finals 2002 Group E match against Saudi Arabia on 11th June 2002. Photo: David Cannon
Source: Getty Images

After pulling a sensational volley for the Republic of Ireland, Keane headed to the corner flag and pretended to be Robin Hood. He gestured as if firing a bow and arrow straight at the camera in what has become one of the best celebrations in the World Cup. Ireland won 3-0.

6. Diego Maradona vs Greece (1994)

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Which player has the best goal celebration?
Argentina's Diego Maradona yells out after netting against Greece on 21st June 1994. Argentina won 4-0. Photo: Daniel Garcia
Source: Getty Images

The legendary Argentine footballer made headlines for many reasons. After scoring a brilliant against Greece in the 1994 World Cup, his iconic celebration became a subject of discussion. Maradona ran towards the nearest camera, eyes bulging as he screamed, expressing joy and anger. However, he failed a d*ugs test nine days later and was sent home.

5. Papa Bouba Diop vs France (2002)

First World Cup goal
Papa Bouba Diop celebrates with teammates during their game against France in 2002. Photo: Andreas Rentz
Source: Getty Images

Diop ran to the corner, took his shirt off, placed it on the ground, and danced around it alongside his teammates after scoring the winner against defending champions France. It is one of the most exciting celebrations in World Cup history.

4. Brian Laudrup vs Brazil (1998)

FIFA World Cup celebrations
Danish forward Brian Laudrup (R) poses on the pitch next to teammate Soren Colding after equalizing against Brazil during the 1998 Soccer World Cup quarterfinal match. Photo: Patrick Kovarik
Source: Getty Images

The Dane scored against Brazil in the quarterfinals and laid down on the pitch, resting his elbow on the ground. It is one of the coolest ways to celebrate a goal against defending champions. Unfortunately for Laudrup and his country, Brazil won the match 3-2 and knocked them out.

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3. Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil (1998)

Top 10 best World Cup goal celebrations
Zinedine Zidane celebrates after scoring the second goal for France against Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final. Photo: Pedro Ugarte
Source: Getty Images

Zidane kissing his shirt after netting against Brazil in 1998 final is one to talk about. The French legend scored his country's second goal in their 3-0 win over the Selecao to lift the coveted trophy. Zizou kissed his shirt repeatedly, showing his love for France.

2. Andres Iniesta vs The Netherlands (2010)

Which is the best World Cup celebration?
Andres Iniesta of Spain celebrates after netting the winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final at Soccer City Stadium on 11th July 2010, in Johannesburg. Photo: Jamie McDonald
Source: Getty Images

Iniesta removed his shirt to reveal a message after scoring an extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final. His message, "Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros" ("Dani Jarque, always with us"), was a tribute to his close friend Daniel Jarque who passed away in 2009. So, which is the best World Cup celebration?

1. Julius Aghahowa vs Sweden (2002)

Best World Cup goal celebrations
Julius Aghahowa of Nigeria celebrates scoring against Sweden during the FIFA World Cup Finals 2002 Group F match at the Kobe Wing Stadium in Kobe, Japan, on 7th June 2002. Photo: David Cannon
Source: Getty Images

Arguably the best celebration in a football match, Nigeria's Julius Aghahowa performed several backflips after scoring against Sweden. It is one of the most over-the-top and flawlessly executed celebrations ever in the tournament.

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Performing one of the best World Cup goal celebrations in history is not an easy task. Many players prefer keeping it simple, while others are not afraid of trying unique styles and enjoying the moment with fans. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will provide another platform to watch what players will come up with after scoring.

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The Portuguese star is a tactically gifted player with unique talent and amazing goal-scoring ability. He is often considered among the greatest footballers ever. Follow the link above to discover his best shots in the 2021/2022 season.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Nomso Obiajuru avatar

Nomso Obiajuru Nomso Obiajuru has 10 years of working experience in sports journalism and is currently the Team Lead of Sports editorial offices at Legit. He has met and interviewed some of the most influential sports personalities in the world while working at Legit.ng, Sports Brief and HipTV. Nomso obtained a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 2012. Email: nomso.obiajuru@corp.legit.ng