15 iconic goals by legendary players

Football has seen many brilliant goals scored over the years, which are now part of the sport’s folklore. And some of the game’s greats have scored memorable goals at crucial stages showing their ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when needed in a classy manner.We look at some of the iconic goals scored by legendary players over the years. Not all of these may be counted among the best goals of all-time, but the player’s stature, the occasion, their ability to score and the impact of the goal make each of these a special moment – moments which won’t ever be forgotten by fans. 

#15 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Scored vs Porto on 15 April 2009 in the quarterfinals of the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League

After a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the quarterfinal tieat Old Trafford, Manchester United went to Porto knowing that they needed to score to stand any chance of progressing to the next stage. And their Portuguese magician Cristiano Ronaldo rose to the occasion with a fantastic winner.

The player, who once played for Portos archrivals Sporting, was constantly booed by the hostile Estadio do Dragao crowd. But he had the last laugh as he silenced the stadium with a thunderous strike from 40 yards into the top corner of the goal, which ensured that Manchester United advanced to the semifinals.

Ronaldo later called the strike as the best goal he has ever scored. The goal has the distinction of being awarded the first Puskas award by FIFA as the best goal of the year.