Goals that made history in the World Cup

This goal stands as a testament to Diego Maradona's individual brilliance and technical skill, as he dribbled past half the English team in an astonishing run. Its impeccable execution and the context of the match have immortalized it as a pinnacle moment in global football history. The play encapsulates Maradona's pure genius, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of the sport.

This goal is a landmark due to its spectacular execution and the impact it had on the career of a young Pelé, only 17 years old, in the 1958 World Cup final. Its technical brilliance, chipping the ball over a defender and striking it with precision, made it a defining moment that helped Brazil win their first world title.

This goal is a sublime example of team football, featuring a nine-pass sequence involving almost the entire Brazilian squad before the finish. Its impeccable execution and significance in the 1970 World Cup final have immortalized it as an iconic moment in sports history.

This goal is a defining moment in World Cup history, not only for its impact on the 1982 final but for Marco Tardelli's celebration. His raw explosion of emotion, with tears and shouts, has become one of football's most iconic and pure images, encapsulating the sport's passion.

This goal is a supreme example of individual skill and brilliance under high pressure, demonstrating exceptional technique and composure. Its execution in the final minute of a World Cup quarter-final match made it a decisive moment that altered the course of the tournament for the Netherlands.

This goal is a sublime example of individual skill and creativity in football, with Baggio dribbling past multiple defenders before scoring. Its impeccable execution and the significance of the moment establish it as a landmark in World Cup history.

This goal is a historic milestone due to its spectacular nature and impact on the tournament, being voted the Goal of the Tournament at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Its impeccable technical execution and significance in a Round of 16 match earned it the FIFA Puskás Award.

This goal is an unforgettable moment in football history, standing out for its technical execution and its impact on the match. Van Persie's audacity to launch himself into a diving header from such a distance to meet an aerial ball made it an instant of pure sporting brilliance that stunned the world.

This goal exemplifies individual brilliance at the World Cup, with Saeed Al-Owairan undertaking a solo run from his own half, evading multiple Belgian defenders. His audacity and technical skill resulted in a goal that secured a historic victory for Saudi Arabia in their World Cup debut, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament's memory.

This goal was the winning strike in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final, securing Germany's fourth title in the 113th minute of extra time. Its technical execution, featuring a chest control and a left-footed volley, made it a moment of pure footballing brilliance on the sport's biggest stage.

This goal stands out for its technical spectacularity and immediate impact in the tournament, being named the 2022 World Cup Goal of the Tournament. Its acrobatic execution and the significance of Brazil's opening match cemented it as an unforgettable moment in World Cup history.

This Lionel Messi goal in the 2022 World Cup final was a pinnacle moment, putting Argentina ahead in extra time against France. Its impact was immense, directly contributing to Argentina's World Cup victory, a historic achievement for the nation and Messi's career. The goal is remembered for its drama and for being part of one of football's most thrilling finals.

Kylian Mbappé's goal in the 2022 World Cup final was a moment of pure brilliance that dramatically shifted the game. His spectacular volley and the speed with which he scored a double showcased immense skill and composure on football's biggest stage.