Top 6 Goals of 2025 in World Football Ranked by Difficulty, video
- A legendary free-kick stunned fans and left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot, leaving fans totally impressed
- One striker we all know pulled off a jaw-dropping solo run past multiple defenders, which had everyone talking
- A teenager turned heads with a sensational long-range strike that could be the goal of the year
The football world witnessed an explosion of unforgettable strikes in 2025, moments of magic crafted by the game’s elite.
From long-range rockets to impossible solo runs, here are YEN.com.gh's Top Six Goals of 2025, ranked purely by difficulty and jaw-dropping brilliance.
Source: Getty Images
1. Lionel Messi's freekick vs. Porto
Even at 38, Lionel Messi proved he remains football’s cheat code. His curling long-range free-kick against FC Porto in this year's Club World Cup flew into the top corner, leaving fans stunned and the goalkeeper hopeless.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Al-Khaleej
According to the BBC, Cristiano Ronaldo silenced critics with a gravity-defying overhead kick in Al-Nassr's 4-1 Saudi Pro League victory against Al Khaleej on November 23, 2025, reminiscent of his 2018 goal vs Juventus.
3. Kylian Mbappe vs Real Sociedad
Kylian Mbappe picked the ball near the halfway line, glided past four defenders, and slotted home with signature calmness, helping Real Madrid win the La Liga match 2-1 in September.
Source: Getty Images
4. Declan Rice's freekick against Real Madrid
Declan Rice’s stunning free-kick against Real Madrid was one of the standout moments of 2025, a strike hit with perfect bend, dip, and conviction.
From over 25 yards out, the England midfielder curled the ball beyond the helpless Thibaut Courtois, delivering a world-class finish that showcased his evolution into a true big-game match-winner, as Arsenal won the Champions League clash 3-0.
5. Jude Bellingham vs Atlético Madrid
Bellingham met a looping cross with a fierce first-time volley that kissed the bar before going in. Pure technique, pure class.
6. Vinícius Jr vs Girona
According to Flashscore, the Real Madrid winger danced through three defenders at speed before firing home from a tight angle, as Los Blancos won the La Liga game 2-0 in February this year.
Fans reaction to Ronaldo's bicycle kick
Following Ronaldo's overhead kick against Al Khaleej, fans of the Portuguese great reacted happily on social media, with some of the best comments stated below.
@Yamoah: ''Reminds me When the GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of the greatest headers in the history of football in extra time against FC Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final.''
@Killam: ''Last second of the game. Doubted by all in this game. He always proved everybody wrong.''
@Hemdy: ''I tried picturing Messi pulling this off… ended up laughing so hard my neighbors probably think I’m going crazy.''
Meanwhile, more incredible strikes were registered in 2025, as seen in the video below, from Lamine Yamal to Kylian Mbappe, Kvicha Kvarataskhelia, Samu Aghehowa, and Mohammed Salah.
10 football legends and their iconic tattoos
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on the world’s most tattooed footballers, highlighting iconic stars both past and present, including legends like Zlatan Ibrahimović and David Beckham.
These players’ body art reflects their personalities, careers, and the cultural impact tattoos have within the global football community.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
