The bicycle kick, also known as the overhead kick or scissors kick, is one of the most acrobatic and spectacular sights in football. It combines timing, balance, athleticism, and sheer audacity. Very few players can pull it off consistently, let alone score with it in official matches. Below is a list of 10 footballers who mastered this difficult skill and found the back of the net with it.
10. Marcelo Balboa
Though not known internationally for prolific scoring, Marcelo Balboa etched his name into highlight reels with his stunning bicycle kick goal against Colombia in 1994. That goal is still remembered as one of the most spectacular in U.S. football history.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Marcelo Balboa | USA | 1+ |
9. Klaus Fischer
German striker Klaus Fischer was famous in the 1970s and ’80s for his ability to execute bicycle kicks under pressure. One of his most famous goals came against France in the 1982 World Cup semi-final an equalizing overhead strike that became a symbol of German fighting spirit.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Klaus Fischer | Germany | 2+ |
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8. Manuel Negrete
Manuel Negrete’s overhead kick goal against Bulgaria in the 1986 World Cup is often ranked among the greatest World Cup goals of all time. Though not known for frequent bicycle kicks, the quality and context of his goals make them truly memorable.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Manuel Negrete | Mexico | 2+ |
7. Marc Wilmots
Former Belgian international Marc Wilmots scored multiple bicycle kicks during his playing days, mostly in European club competitions. His athleticism and power made him a consistent threat in the air, and his acrobatic finishes were highlights of his time at Schalke and Standard Liège.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Marc Wilmots | Belgium | 3+ |
6. Alejandro Garnacho
One of the youngest on the list, Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United is quickly gaining a reputation for spectacular goals. His incredible overhead kick against Everton in 2023 was widely compared to Rooney and Ronaldo’s iconic efforts. Still early in his career, Garnacho has already scored 3+ bicycle kick goals and looks set to add more.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Alejandro Garnacho | Argentina | 3+ |
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5. Rivaldo
Brazilian maestro Rivaldo is remembered not only for his creativity and goalscoring but also for his overhead kicks. One of his most famous came in the dying minutes of a league match against Valencia in 2001, where his bicycle kick from outside the box completed a hat-trick and secured Champions League qualification for Barcelona. That goal is etched in football history.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Rivaldo | Brazil | 5+ |
4. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney’s bicycle kick goal against Manchester City in 2011 remains one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history. It wasn’t his only such goal Rooney scored several overhead efforts during his career, showcasing his strength, awareness, and technique. His overhead goal against West Ham is another memorable example.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Wayne Rooney | England | 5+ |
3. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Few players blend power, height, and acrobatics like Zlatan Ibrahimović. The Swedish giant has scored more than 10 bicycle kick goals, including the jaw-dropping 30-yard overhead kick against England in 2012, which won the FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Year. His ability to perform such feats at nearly 2 meters tall is nothing short of incredible.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Sweden | 10+ |
Also Read: Top 10 Footballers with Most Free Kick Goals in History
2. Hugo Sánchez
Mexican legend Hugo Sánchez was not just a prolific goal-scorer but also an artist in the air. Known for his flair and agility, Sánchez scored over 10 goals via bicycle kicks during his career. Many of these came during his time at Real Madrid in the 1980s and ’90s. His signature scissor-style finish made him a fan favorite.
| Rank | Player | Country | BicycleGoals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Hugo Sánchez | Mexico | 10+ |
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
At the top of the list is Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably one of the most complete footballers in history. Ronaldo has scored over 25 bicycle kick goals throughout his career more than any other player. His most iconic came in the 2018 Champions League quarterfinal against Juventus while playing for Real Madrid. That goal received a standing ovation from the home fans and is widely considered one of the greatest overhead kicks ever.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 25+ |
Conclusion
Scoring a bicycle kick is about more than luck. It takes vision, fearlessness, and flawless technique. The players listed above have not only attempted but mastered this difficult art, gifting fans unforgettable moments across generations. Whether it’s Ronaldo’s gravity-defying leap or Negrete’s World Cup beauty, these goals remain some of football’s finest.
| Rank | Player | Country | Bicycle Kick Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 25+ |
| 2 | Hugo Sánchez | Mexico | 10+ |
| 3 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Sweden | 10+ |
| 4 | Wayne Rooney | England | 5+ |
| 5 | Rivaldo | Brazil | 5+ |
| 6 | Alejandro Garnacho | Argentina | 3+ |
| 7 | Marc Wilmots | Belgium | 3+ |
| 8 | Manuel Negrete | Mexico | 2+ |
| 9 | Klaus Fischer | Germany | 2+ |
| 10 | Marcelo Balboa | USA | 1+ |
FAQ
1. Who has scored the most bicycle kick goals in football history?
Answer:
Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most bicycle kick goals in official football matches, with 25+ overhead goals. His most famous was for Real Madrid against Juventus in the 2018 UEFA Champions League.
2. Are bicycle kick goals common in professional football?
Answer:
No, bicycle kick goals are relatively rare due to the high level of difficulty, timing, and risk of injury involved. Only a handful of players, such as Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Hugo Sánchez, have scored multiple bicycle kicks throughout their careers.
3. Which bicycle kick goal is considered the most iconic?
Answer:
Several overhead kicks are iconic, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal against Juventus (2018) and Zlatan Ibrahimović’s 30-yard bicycle kick vs. England (2012) are often regarded as the greatest. Rivaldo’s last-minute overhead goal for Barcelona in 2001 is also frequently cited.
