With Euro 2024 in full swing, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the most memorable goals in the history of the European Championships.
These goals have showcased individual brilliance and defined matches and tournaments, etching themselves into the memories of football fans worldwide. Let’s relive these breathtaking moments.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is known for his acrobatic and stunning goals, and his strike in Euro 2012 was no exception. Playing against France in the group stages, Ibrahimovic connected with a cross from Sebastian Larsson, leaping into the air to deliver a powerful right-footed volley from just inside the penalty area.
The ball flew past the French goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, into the back of the net, leaving spectators in awe. This goal showcased Zlatan’s incredible athleticism, timing, and technical skill. It was a defining moment in the tournament, reflecting his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
The goal was also significant as it helped Sweden secure a 2-0 victory, though they did not advance past the group stage. Zlatan’s strike remains one of the most replayed and celebrated goals in Euro history.
2. Rui Costa
Rui Costa, a key player for Portugal, delivered a stunning goal in the 2004 quarter-final against England. With the match tied at 2-2 and heading into extra time, Costa picked up the ball just outside the England penalty area.
After a few deft touches to create space, he unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that soared into the top corner, leaving England’s goalkeeper, David James, with no chance. This goal was a display of Costa’s technical prowess and his ability to deliver under pressure.
It gave Portugal a crucial lead, although England later equalized, leading to a penalty shootout, which Portugal won. Costa’s goal remains a highlight of his career and a cherished memory for Portuguese fans, symbolizing their team’s resilience and skill.
3. Antonin Panenka
Antonin Panenka’s audacious penalty in the 1976 final against West Germany is one of the most iconic moments in Euro’s history. With the score tied after extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout.
As Panenka stepped up to take the decisive kick, he surprised everyone by gently chipping the ball down the center of the goal while the goalkeeper dived to the side. This cheeky and confident move secured the trophy for Czechoslovakia and introduced the “Panenka” penalty to the world.
Panenka’s goal is celebrated not just for its significance but for the sheer boldness and creativity it displayed. It has inspired countless players to attempt similar penalties, though few have matched Panenka’s original audacity and precision. This goal epitomizes the drama and unpredictability that makes football so captivating.
4. Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne’s solo effort against Scotland in Euro 1996 remains one of England’s most celebrated goals. During the group stage match, with England leading 1-0, Gascoigne received a pass from Darren Anderton just outside the Scottish penalty area.
In a moment of brilliance, Gascoigne flicked the ball over defender Colin Hendry with his left foot, ran past him, and then volleyed it into the net with his right foot. This dazzling display of skill and creativity left the Scottish defense and goalkeeper Andy Goram helpless.
The goal secured a 2-0 victory for England and showcased Gascoigne’s flair and talent at a crucial moment. It remains a defining moment in Euro history, symbolizing the joy and excitement of the tournament.
5. David Trezeguet
David Trezeguet’s golden goal in the 2000 final against Italy is legendary. The match in Rotterdam was tied 1-1 after regular time, leading to extra time where the golden goal rule was in effect.
In the 103rd minute, Robert Pires made a brilliant run down the left wing and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Trezeguet, showing exceptional composure, controlled the ball with his left foot and then struck a powerful shot with his right foot into the roof of the net.
This goal not only won the tournament for France but also highlighted Trezeguet’s clinical finishing and calmness under pressure. It was a fitting end to a thrilling final and solidified Trezeguet’s place in Euro folklore. The goal is often remembered for its dramatic nature and impact on French football history.
6. John Jensen
John Jensen’s goal in the 1992 final was pivotal in Denmark’s surprising victory over Germany. The match, played in Gothenburg, saw Denmark, who had only qualified for the tournament at the last minute, take on the reigning world champions.
In the 18th minute, Jensen received the ball on the edge of the penalty area. After controlling it with his right foot, he unleashed a powerful shot that rocketed into the top corner of the net. This stunning strike gave Denmark a crucial lead and set the tone for their eventual 2-0 victory.
Jensen’s goal is remembered for its technical excellence and significance in one of the biggest upsets in Euros’ history. It symbolized the underdog spirit and determination of the Danish team, who went on to lift the trophy against all odds.
9. Mario Balotelli
Mario Balotelli’s memorable goal against Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-final was celebrated with his trademark enthusiasm. In the 36th minute, Riccardo Montolivo delivered a precise long pass over the German defense.
Balotelli, showing great strength and composure, controlled the ball and unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the penalty area that flew past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and into the top corner.
Balotelli’s goal gave Italy a 2-0 lead and ultimately secured their place in the final. His celebration, where he ripped off his shirt and stood defiantly, flexing his muscles, became an iconic tournament image.
This goal highlighted Balotelli’s explosive power and clinical finishing and remains one of the standout moments of Euro 2012.
10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes another appearance on this list with his 2004 goal against Italy. In a group stage match, with the score tied at 1-1, Sweden earned a corner in the 85th minute. The Italian defense cleared the ball, but it fell to Ibrahimovic just inside the penalty area.
With his back to the goal and surrounded by defenders, Zlatan improvised a stunning backheel volley that looped over goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and into the net.
This brilliance secured a crucial draw for Sweden and showcased Zlatan’s creativity and flair. His ability to score from such an unexpected position underlined his status as one of the game’s most talented and unpredictable forwards.
11. Karel Poborsky
Karel Poborsky’s lob in Euro 1996 is one of the most exquisite goals ever seen in the tournament. During the quarter-final match against Portugal, with the game tied at 0-0, Poborsky made a darting run towards the Portuguese defense.
As he approached the penalty area, he delicately chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Vitor Baia, sending it into the net. This audacious and perfectly executed lob left everyone in the stadium and watching at home speechless.
Poborsky’s goal secured a 1-0 victory for the Czech Republic and demonstrated his exceptional vision and technical ability. It remains one of the most memorable moments of Euro 1996 and a testament to Poborsky’s skill.
12. Ronnie Whelan
Ireland’s finest goal in a major tournament was scored by Ronnie Whelan in 1988 against the Soviet Union. In a group stage match, Whelan found himself in the right place at the right time when the Soviet defense headed out a long throw-linee.
Positioned outside the penalty area, Whelan performed an acrobatic scissor-kick volley, sending the ball arching into the top corner of the net. This spectacular strike gave Ireland a 1-0 lead and remains one of the most celebrated goals in Irish football history.
Despite the match ending in a 1-1 draw, Whelan’s goal is remembered for its incredible athleticism and precision. It highlighted the talent within the Irish squad and provided a moment of magic for their fans.
13. Marco van Basten
Marco van Basten’s volley in the 1988 final is regarded as the greatest goal in Euros history. In the final against the Soviet Union, with the Netherlands leading 1-0, Arnold Muhren delivered a high cross from the left wing.
Van Basten, positioned at a tight angle on the right side of the penalty area, met the ball with a first-time volley. The shot flew over the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net, a strike of incredible difficulty and precision.
This goal secured a 2-0 victory for the Netherlands, giving them their first major international trophy. Van Basten’s volley is celebrated for its technical brilliance, timing, and significance, marking a high point in Dutch football history.
14. Tomas Brolin
In Euro 1992, Tomas Brolin scored a goal that delighted the Swedish home crowd. During a group stage match against England, Sweden orchestrated a beautiful team move that ended with Brolin receiving a perfectly weighted pass just outside the penalty area.
Using the outside of his boot, Brolin curled the ball around the English goalkeeper and into the net. This goal was a testament to Brolin’s skill and Sweden’s cohesive team play.
It helped secure Sweden a 2-1 victory, propelling them into the semi-finals. Brolin’s goal is remembered for its elegance and the joy it brought to the Swedish fans, making it one of the standout moments of the tournament.
15. Maniche
Maniche’s long-range strike against the Netherlands in the 2004 semi-final was a moment of pure brilliance. Picking up the ball well outside the penalty area, Maniche saw an opportunity and unleashed a powerful shot that swerved past goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and into the top corner.
This goal, which gave Portugal a 2-1 lead, was crucial in helping them reach the final. Maniche’s strike is celebrated for its power and precision, demonstrating his ability to score from a distance. It remains one of the most memorable goals of Euro 2004, symbolizing Portugal’s attacking prowess and determination.
16 Davor Suker
Davor Suker’s chip against Denmark in Euro 1996 showcased his incredible skill and composure. In a group stage match, Suker found himself one-on-one with the Danish goalkeeper after a quick counter-attack. He chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper and into the area with remarkable calmness, a delicate and perfectly executed finish. This goal was part of a 3-0 victory for Croatia and highlighted Suker’s status as one of the best strikers of the 90s.
His ability to score in such a stylish manner made this goal one of the standout moments of the tournament and solidified his reputation as a top-class forward.
17. Frank de Boer
Frank de Boer’s free-kick against France in Euro 2000 was a masterpiece of technique and power. In a high-stakes group stage match, with the score tied, the Netherlands earned a free-kick just outside the French penalty area.
De Boer struck the ball with his left foot, sending it curling over the wall and into the top corner of the net. This goal gave the Netherlands a crucial lead and was instrumental in their 3-2 victory over the reigning world champions.
De Boer’s free-kick is remembered for its precision and power, showcasing his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
18. Patrik Schick
Patrik Schick scored one of the most significant goals of modern Euro history in 2021. During a group stage match against Scotland, Schick spotted the goalkeeper off his line and attempted an audacious shot from near the halfway line.
The ball sailed over the backpedaling goalkeeper and into the net, a strike of incredible vision and execution. This goal helped the Czech Republic secure a 2-0 victory and highlighted Schick’s awareness and technical ability.
It quickly became one of the most talked-about goals of the tournament, exemplifying the excitement and unpredictability of football.
19. Luka Modric
Luka Modric showed exceptional technique in Euro 2021 with a stunning goal against Scotland. Modric received the ball just outside the penalty area in a must-win group-stage match.
With a deft flick of the outside of his right boot, he sent the ball curling into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This goal was crucial to Croatia’s 3-1 victory, ensuring their progression to the knockout stages.
Modric’s strike is celebrated for its elegance and precision, showcasing his talent and creativity. It remains one of the standout moments of the tournament.
20. Dimitri Payet
Dimitri Payet’s long-range strike against Romania in the opening match of Euro 2016 highlighted his ability to score from a distance. With the game tied at 1-1 and time running out, Payet received the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that flew into the top corner.
This goal secured a 2-1 victory for Franceando set the tone for their tournament. Payet’s strike was celebrated for its power and accuracy, and it quickly became one of the defining moments of Euro 2016. His emotional celebration reflected the significance of the goal for both him and his country.
Wrap up
The European Championships have provided football fans countless unforgettable moments over the years, and these stunning goals are a testament to the skill, creativity, and passion that define the beautiful game.
From audacious chips and powerful volleys to long-range strikes and solo efforts, these goals have not only defined matches but also captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Each goal on this list represents a moment of magic, a flash of brilliance that will be remembered for generations. As we enjoy the excitement of Euro 2024, let us celebrate these incredible goals and look forward to witnessing more moments of pure football artistry.
