Over the years, footballers have invented different styles to celebrate their goals. Some dance, while others show off their acrobatic moves. The top 10 best celebrations in World Cup history (VIDEO)
Top 10 World Cup celebrations (VIDEO)
- Bebeto vs Netherlands (1994)
The legendary Brazilian striker scored his country’s second goal in the 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals. Bebeto expressed his joy by making the emblematic gesture of “rocking the cradle” with his hands to welcome his newborn son. Since then, many soccer fathers have reproduced this gesture after scoring.
- Roger Milla vs Romania (1990)
Milla distinguished himself at the 1990 World Cup by leading Cameroon to the quarter-finals. His iconic celebration also became one of the talking points of the tournament. Milla ran to the corner and wiggled every time he scored a goal.
- Siphiwe Tshabalala vs Mexico (2010)
Tshabalala scored the first goal of the World Cup in 2010 and produced one of the most interesting celebrations of the World Cup. His teammates joined him, arms outstretched, dancing a rendition of the Macarena, amid the noise of vuvuzelas.
- Robbie Keane vs Saudi Arabia (2002)
After firing a sensational volley for the Republic of Ireland, Keane walked over to the corner flag and pretended to be Robin Hood. He gestured as if he were shooting a bow and arrow at the camera in what became one of the most beautiful celebrations of the World Cup. Ireland won 3-0.
- Diego Maradona vs Greece (1994)
The legendary Argentine footballer has made headlines for many reasons. After scoring a masterful goal against Greece at the 1994 World Cup, his iconic celebration became the talk of the town. Maradona ran towards the nearest camera, eyes bulging, screaming, expressing his joy and anger. Nine days later, he failed a drug test and was sent home.
- Papa Bouba Diop vs France (2002)
Diop ran to the corner, took off his jersey, laid it on the ground and danced around it with his teammates after scoring the winning goal against reigning world champions France. It was one of the most exciting celebrations in World Cup history.
- Brian Laudrup vs Brazil (1998)
The Dane scored against Brazil in the quarter-finals and stretched out on the pitch, resting his elbow on the ground. It’s one of the coolest ways to celebrate a goal against the defending champions. Unfortunately for Laudrup and his country, Brazil won the match 3-2 and eliminated them.
- Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil (1998)
Zidane kissing his shirt after scoring against Brazil in the 1998 final. The French legend scored his country’s second goal in the 3-0 victory over the Selecao to lift the coveted trophy. Zizou kissed his shirt several times, showing his love for France.
- Andres Iniesta vs Netherlands (2010)
Iniesta took off his shirt to reveal a message after scoring the extra-time goal against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final. His message, “Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros” (“Dani Jarque, always with us”), paid tribute to his friend Daniel Jarque, who died in 2009. So, what’s the best World Cup celebration?
- Julius Aghahowa against Sweden (2002)
Nigeria’s Julius Aghahowa performed a series of somersaults after scoring against Sweden, arguably the finest celebration of a soccer match.
It is one of the most spectacular and perfectly executed celebrations in the history of the competition.
Creating one of the most beautiful goal celebrations in World Cup history is no easy task. Many players prefer to keep it simple. Others aren’t afraid to try out unique styles and enjoy the moment with the fans.
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