Football is a game of passion, precision, and unpredictability. One of the most thrilling aspects of football is when a game is decided in the dying moments. Last-minute goals in football are moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats, often changing the course of tournaments, matches, and history. These dramatic strikes not only showcase skill and composure but also highlight the intensity of football at the highest level. In this article, we count down the top 10 most unforgettable last-minute goals in football since 2000, celebrating the players who etched their names into football history.
10. Karim Benzema
- Match: Real Madrid vs Chelsea
- Year: 2022 Champions League Quarterfinal
Karim Benzema scored one of the most decisive last-minute goals in football during Real Madrid’s 2022 Champions League Quarterfinal against Chelsea. The Spanish capital club faced a strong Chelsea side at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the tie finely balanced and heading toward extra time. In the 94th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Benzema receive a precise pass inside the penalty area. The French striker calmly placed the ball past the Chelsea goalkeeper, securing Real Madrid’s advantage and sending the home fans into ecstasy. This goal is remembered not only for its timing but also for the composure and technical brilliance Benzema demonstrated under immense pressure.
The goal was pivotal for Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign, allowing them to control the return leg with confidence. Karim Benzema has consistently been a master of last-minute finishes, and this strike further cemented his reputation as one of the greatest forwards in European football. It highlighted how impactful last-minute goals in football can be, changing the momentum of matches and reinforcing the idea that every second counts in the beautiful game.
9. Rodrygo
- Match: Real Madrid vs Manchester City
- Year: 2022 Champions League Semifinal
Rodrygo’s stunning late goal against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League Semifinal will forever be celebrated among the top last-minute goals in football. Real Madrid faced an uphill task, trailing on aggregate against Pep Guardiola’s side. In the 90+2 minute, a perfectly timed pass from Federico Valverde found Rodrygo in a dangerous position inside the box. With a composed first touch, the Brazilian fired a precise shot past the goalkeeper, leveling the score and reigniting Real Madrid’s hopes of overturning the tie. This goal not only demonstrated Rodrygo’s poise under pressure but also illustrated the dramatic nature of last-minute goals in football.
The psychological impact of Rodrygo’s strike was immense. Manchester City, confident of advancing, suddenly found themselves on the back foot. The goal shifted the momentum entirely in favor of Real Madrid and eventually led to one of the most remarkable comebacks in Champions League history. Last-minute goals in football often determine the fate of elite clubs, and Rodrygo’s strike exemplified how a single moment of brilliance can leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
8. Didier Drogba
- Match: Chelsea vs Bayern Munich
- Year: 2012 Champions League Final
The 2012 UEFA Champions League Final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich was one of football’s most dramatic clashes. Bayern led for most of the match, putting Chelsea on the brink of defeat. In the 88th minute, Didier Drogba rose to the occasion, meeting a perfectly delivered cross with a powerful header past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to equalize. This last-minute goal forced extra time and completely shifted the momentum in Chelsea’s favor. The match eventually went to a penalty shootout, where Chelsea triumphed 4-3, claiming their first-ever Champions League title. Drogba’s strike is remembered as one of the most iconic last-minute goals in football history, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure and inspiring his team at a critical moment.
Drogba’s goal highlighted Chelsea’s resilience and determination, showing how a single injury-time strike can rewrite the course of a match. Beyond the equalizer, it symbolized the excitement and unpredictability of last-minute goals in football. His timing, power, and composure turned despair into triumph, leaving a lasting legacy in European football. The goal remains a prime example of the magic and drama that define unforgettable moments in football history.
7. Fabio Grosso
- Match: Italy vs Germany
- Year: 2006 World Cup Semifinal
Fabio Grosso’s dramatic goal against Germany in the 2006 World Cup Semifinal remains one of the most celebrated last-minute goals in football history. Italy and Germany had battled intensely for 117 minutes without breaking the deadlock. In the final minutes, Andrea Pirlo delivered a precise pass into the box, finding an unmarked Grosso. The Italian winger struck the ball perfectly, sending it past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and into the net. This goal propelled Italy into the World Cup final, leaving fans and commentators stunned by the timing and quality of the strike.
The goal exemplified the essence of last-minute goals in football: the ability to decide matches when everything else seems evenly matched. Grosso’s finish demonstrated calmness, technical mastery, and an awareness of space that only elite players possess. For Italian football, this goal symbolized resilience and tactical brilliance, proving that even the last minutes of a match can become the most memorable moments in football history.
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6. Steven Gerrard
- Match: Liverpool vs West Ham
- Year: 2006 FA Cup Final
Steven Gerrard’s injury-time volley in the 2006 FA Cup Final between Liverpool and West Ham is widely regarded as one of the finest last-minute goals in football. West Ham were leading 3-2, and Liverpool needed a miracle to stay alive in the match. In the dying seconds, Gerrard received the ball 35 yards from goal and unleashed a powerful volley that flew past goalkeeper Shaka Hislop into the bottom corner. The equalizer sent the game into extra time, eventually allowing Liverpool to win 3-1 in the penalty shootout and lift the FA Cup.
This goal highlights the dramatic impact of last-minute goals in football, where a single strike can completely change the outcome of a high-stakes match. Gerrard’s strike was a perfect combination of technique, vision, and courage. Fans still remember this goal as a turning point in Liverpool’s history, demonstrating that persistence and determination can produce unforgettable moments in football.
5. Mario Götze
- Match: Germany vs Argentina
- Year: 2014 World Cup Final
Mario Götze’s 113th-minute goal in the 2014 World Cup Final is one of the most remarkable last-minute goals in football. Germany and Argentina had been locked in a tight contest, with both teams unable to score during regular time. In extra time, Andre Schürrle delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Götze controlled the ball on his chest and fired a left-footed volley into the net, securing Germany’s fourth World Cup title. The goal showcased precision, timing, and composure, hallmarks of unforgettable last-minute goals in football.
Götze’s goal had a profound impact on football history, ending Germany’s 24-year wait for a World Cup and cementing his legacy in the sport. This example illustrates how last-minute goals in football are often remembered more than any other moment, as they combine skill, pressure, and significance to create timeless memories for fans worldwide.
4. Lucas Moura
- Match: Tottenham vs Ajax
- Year: 2019 Champions League Semifinal
Lucas Moura’s injury-time hat-trick goal against Ajax in 2019 is celebrated as one of the most thrilling last-minute goals in football history. Tottenham needed a goal to overcome a 3-0 first-leg deficit in Amsterdam. In the 96th minute, Moura received a through ball from Dele Alli, controlled it perfectly, and calmly finished to complete his hat-trick. Tottenham secured a historic comeback and reached the Champions League final for the first time in their history. This goal exemplified the drama, skill, and unpredictability associated with last-minute goals in football.
The goal highlighted how quickly momentum can shift in football. Ajax, dominating the match, suddenly faced a resurgent Tottenham, demonstrating the transformative power of last-minute goals in football. Moura’s finish is a textbook example of composure and opportunism under pressure, providing fans with an unforgettable experience.
3. Andrés Iniesta
- Match: Spain vs Netherlands
- Year: 2010 World Cup Final
Andrés Iniesta’s 116th-minute strike in the 2010 World Cup Final is among the most iconic last-minute goals in football. With the match scoreless after extra time, Spain broke on a counter-attack. Cesc Fàbregas passed to Iniesta, who struck the ball into the corner of the goal, giving Spain their first World Cup title. The goal highlighted technical brilliance and composure under immense pressure, hallmarks of unforgettable last-minute goals in football.
Iniesta’s goal not only won the World Cup for Spain but also demonstrated the significance of last-minute goals in football at the highest stage. The timing and execution ensured this goal would remain etched in history, symbolizing how decisive and game-changing last-minute goals in football can be.
2. Arjen Robben
- Match: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund
- Year: 2013 Champions League Final
Arjen Robben’s 89th-minute winner against Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League Final is remembered as one of the best last-minute goals in football. Bayern had been locked in a tight contest, with both teams seeking a breakthrough. A precise back-heel from Frank Ribéry found Robben inside the box. The Dutch forward calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, securing Bayern’s long-awaited Champions League triumph. Robben’s composure and clinical finish exemplify the impact of last-minute goals in football.
The goal symbolized redemption for Bayern after previous disappointments in finals. Robben’s strike demonstrated that last-minute goals in football can define careers, championships, and legacies, reinforcing why football remains unpredictable and exciting until the very end.
1. Sergio Ramos
- Match: Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid
- Year: 2014 Champions League Final
Sergio Ramos’ 93rd-minute header against Atlético Madrid in the 2014 Champions League Final is arguably the most famous last-minute goal in football history. Atlético had led for almost the entire match, with Real Madrid desperate to equalize. In the dying moments, Ramos connected with a precise cross from Luka Modrić and powered a header past the goalkeeper. The goal forced extra time, eventually allowing Real Madrid to win 4-1 and claim “La Décima,” their 10th Champions League title.
Ramos’ goal embodies everything that makes last-minute goals in football unforgettable: timing, skill, and dramatic impact. It changed the course of the match, shocked Atlético, and left fans around the world in awe. This goal highlights how a single strike in the final moments can create a legacy that lasts generations in football history.
| Rank | Player | Match | Competition | Minute Scored | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sergio Ramos | Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid | 2014 UCL Final | 93 | Real Madrid forced extra time |
| 2 | Arjen Robben | Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund | 2013 UCL Final | 89 | Bayern won UCL |
| 3 | Andrés Iniesta | Spain vs Netherlands | 2010 World Cup Final | 116 | Spain won World Cup |
| 4 | Lucas Moura | Tottenham vs Ajax | 2019 UCL Semifinal | 96 | Tottenham reached final |
| 5 | Mario Götze | Germany vs Argentina | 2014 World Cup Final | 113 | Germany won World Cup |
| 6 | Steven Gerrard | Liverpool vs West Ham | 2006 FA Cup Final | 90 | Liverpool forced extra time |
| 7 | Fabio Grosso | Italy vs Germany | 2006 World Cup Semifinal | 117 | Italy reached final |
| 8 | Didier Drogba | Chelsea vs Bayern Munich | 2012 Champions League Final | 88 | Chelsea won after penalties |
| 9 | Rodrygo | Real Madrid vs Manchester City | 2022 UCL Semifinal | 90+2 | Real Madrid advanced |
| 10 | Karim Benzema | Real Madrid vs Chelsea | 2022 UCL Quarterfinal | 90+4 | Real Madrid advanced |
FAQs: Last-Minute Goals in Football
Q1: What makes a last-minute goal in football special?
A last-minute goal in football is special because it can instantly change the outcome of a match, often determining titles, tournament progression, or historic wins. The timing and pressure make such goals memorable.
Q2: Which player is known for the most iconic last-minute goals in football?
Players like Sergio Ramos, Andrés Iniesta, and Lucas Moura are widely celebrated for their iconic last-minute goals in football, each leaving a lasting impact on their teams and fans.
Q3: How do last-minute goals impact football matches psychologically?
Last-minute goals in football often demoralize the opposition and energize the scoring team, changing momentum and creating emotional highs for players and fans alike.
Q4: Are last-minute goals more common in club or international football?
Last-minute goals in football occur frequently in both club and international matches, though the stakes in tournaments and finals make them more memorable at the international level.
