The 25 Best Goals in Champions League History in GIFs

The UEFA Champions League has produced its fair share of heroics. The game’s biggest stars are often intimately involved in these proceedings, cementing their legend with some of the finest goals you’ll ever see. Big names like Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all made names for themselves by scoring breathtaking goals on this grand European stage. Likewise, these incredible feats have been a means of a player like Steven Gerrard thrusting himself into the international spotlight, making his name resound in every corner of the footballing world with a perfectly timed wonder strike. While there have been many thousands of goals scored in the competition, these are the 25 Best Goals in Champions League History.

Date: 10/20/2004
Matchup: PSG vs. FC Porto
Round: Group Stage

You can call it luck, skill, or something else, but no matter what this is a remarkable goal from PSG's Charles-Edouard Coridon. While they only managed to win one match in their six group stage games, PSG made this one count as Coridon scored one of the best goals of the tournament with this sprawling effort. It appeared that he had overrun the cross being served in, but he flashed the abilities of a contortionist as he flicked the ball with the back of his right calf, stunning Porto goalkeeper Victor Baia and giving his team a 1-0 advantage after 30 minutes of scoreless action.

Date: 4/15/2009
Matchup: Manchester United vs. FC Porto
Round: Quarterfinals

After drawing 2-2 on the road against Porto, Manchester United needed a win in the second leg at Old Trafford to ensure that they'd move on to the semifinals. In the sixth minute, Cristiano Ronaldo decided to try his luck from 36 yards out, unleashing an absolute screamer that beat Porto goalkeeper Helton comprehensively. While the whole world knows Ronaldo is as lethal as they come in dead ball situations, this also served as a reminder that few can match his ability to strike the ball from anywhere on the field. On the strength of Ronaldo's performance, United were able to reach the 2009 Finals before falling to Barcelona.

Date: 9/27/2006
Matchup: Liverpool vs. Galatasaray
Round: Group Stage

As much fun as people make of Peter Crouch's ridiculous body, there's no denying that the man can contort himself in ways conducive to scoring goals. This combination bicycle/scissor kick was a vital goal for Liverpool, giving them what would prove to be the winning goal in a 3-2 victory of Galatasaray that helped offset the frustration of a tie in their previous match. The gangly Crouch showed the kind of uncanny body control that has enabled him to make 42 appearances for the English national team. His goal scoring prowess wasn't limited to just this one game, either; he would go on to score six goals in Champions League play in 2006-07, tied for second in the entire competition.

Date: 11/20/2001
Matchup: Barcelona vs. Liverpool
Round: Second Group Stage

These days, everyone talks about how masterful Barcelona passes the ball around. And rightly so; with Lionel Messi and Xavi running the show, they've got two of the world's best at moving the ball to all parts of the field and ripping defenses apart. But there was a time before Messi, when a much younger Xavi teamed with the likes of Marc Overmars and Rivaldo to form another formidable squad. This particular goal is remarkable in the way the poor Liverpool defense-which contained world-class players like Sami Hyypiä and Stéphane Henchoz-was stretched so high and so thin that Overmars broke through by himself to goal starting almost at midfield.

Date: 3/6/2007
Matchup: AS Roma vs. Lyon
Round: Round of 16

While we currently think of Cristiano Ronaldo as master of the stepover, let's not assume that he was the only one to do it. Amantino Mancini of Roma certainly showed he was capable of incredible footwork, practically breaking the Lyon defender's ankles as he freed himself inside the 18 and unleashed an absolute rocket to the near post. This goal is particularly impressive because of the huge contrast in styles it merges; Mancini at once uses stunning quickness and agility to beat his man, followed by raw power to blow it past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. This goal just prior to halftime sealed Roma's spot in the quarterfinals, where they fell to Manchester United.

Date: 11/4/2009
Matchup: Liverpool vs. Lyon
Round: Group Stage

Liverpool was in trouble in the 83rd minute of their group stage matchup with Lyon; with just three points in three games (and having already lost once to Lyon), they needed something miraculous to happen in order to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive. Enter Ryan Babel, a 67th minute substitute who supplied an absolutely breathtaking strike from 27 yards out to thrust Liverpool into the lead and back into the competition. Sadly for Liverpool, the reprieve delivered by Babel didn't last; they yielded the equalizer in stoppage time, drawing the game and ultimately failing to get out of the group.

Date: 3/3/1993
Matchup: AC Milan vs. FC Porto
Round: Group Stage

In all sports, having too much time can be a bad thing. It allows you to pause and think about what you're about to do, and you end up psyching yourself out. So, Jean-Pierre Papin would easily have been forgiven if he had drilled this volley into the nosebleeds given how much time he had to measure his steps in the run-up to his shot, but he showed the kind of composure that allowed him to score three goals in 11 tournament games despite coming off the bench and being overshadowed by players like Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard. His strong performance helped propel Milan into the Final, where they fell 1-0 to Olympique Marseille.

Date: 12/8/2004
Matchup: Liverpool vs. Olympiakos
Round: Group Stage

Liverpool led the game 2-1, so the initial reasons for their third goal being so vital are not readily apparent. However, this was their last group stage game, and after falling behind 1-0 by halftime they needed three second half goals to go through to the knockout stages. After scoring quickly in the 47th minute and tallying again in the 81st, Liverpool had set the stage for the 24-year-old Gerrard to deliver one of the most clutch goals the tournament has ever seen on an absolute firecracker from 25 yards from goal. This missile of a shot never got more than a couple feet off the ground, sending Liverpool down a path that would ultimately lead them to a victory over AC Milan in the Final some five and a half months later.

Date: 11/1/2006
Matchup: Hamburg vs. FC Porto
Round: Group Stage

With the game tied 0-0 and his team needing a spark before halftime, Lucho Gonzalez provided one of the Champions League's most amazing goals as he volleyed home a headed clearance from 25-plus yards out. While Hamburg was certainly the dregs of Group G, Porto needed every goal they could muster in order to keep pace with CSKA Moskva and Arsenal, both of whom were ahead of them in the table. Gonzalez's goal helped Porto to a 3-1 win and eventually a place in the round of 16, where they were beaten by semifinalist Chelsea.

Date: 10/18/2005
Matchup: Arsenal vs. Sparta Prague
Round: Group Stage

The most decorated scorer in Arsenal's history, Henry has had some incredible goals over the years in all manner of competition. This particular effort was his finest in Champions League play, as he showed the kind of deft touch that continues to make him a highly dangerous striker even today, long past his physical prime. We're not sure how, but Henry here seemed capable of taking a better settling touch with his back heel than most players could with their laces, and his ability to nonchalantly find the far corner with the outside of his foot revealed the kind of finishing skill that few in history have possessed. This particular goal was one of Henry's five in the competition, as Arsenal made it all the way to the Final before falling to Barcelona.

Date: 11/23/1994
Matchup: PSG vs. Bayern Munich
Round: Group Stage

George Weah was one of the world's finest players during his career, but due to his home nation of Liberia never fielding a strong team Weah was never able to participate in a World Cup. That didn't stop him from dominating the Champions League, however, as he scored seven goals to lead the tournament and help his PSG team reach the quarterfinals. This particular goal put all of Weah's skills on demand, as he used incredible skill to beat three different defenders, strong balance to avoid losing his balance, and an uncanny finishing ability inside the 18 as he blasted the ball past legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

Date: 5/18/1994
Matchup: AC Milan vs. Barcelona
Round: Finals

There was no stopping AC Milan in 1994, as this powerhouse squad conceded just two goals all tournament and never lost a game on their way to a 4-0 Finals victory over Barcelona. No moment encapsulated their effortless dominance quite like Dejan Savicevic's 47th minute looping strike, a goal that put the Rossoneri up 3-0 and signaled to the world that nobody was on their level. The degree of difficulty and incredible level of confidence involved in making it happen could simply not be matched by anyone from any other team that year. For Savicevic, it was his third goal of the tournament and certainly the most famous one of his career.

Date: 11/2/2005
Matchup: Barcelona vs. Panathinaikos
Round: Group Stage

While it's true that Barcelona were absolutely thumping Panthinaikos 4-0 at the time of Eto'o's goal, the totally casual nature of the strike makes it hard not to laugh as it curls in over the goalkeeper. The angle was pretty much impossible, considering the Cameroonian striker's momentum was carrying him towards the endline and he was hitting the ball without a settling touch. The finesse and touch involved in softly spinning the shot into the far corner demonstrate why Eto'o was considered one of the world's greatest strikers, and Barcelona rode his six goals during the tournament to a victory in the Final.

Date: 4/29/2008
Matchup: Manchester United vs. Barcelona
Round: Semifinals

The elder statesman of Manchester United (along with Ryan Giggs), Paul Scholes had pretty much seen everything by the time this Semifinal clash rolled around. With a 0-0 draw in Camp Nou under their belts, United had everything to play for as they hosted Barcelona at Old Trafford; the wily Scholes was ready to attack, pouncing on a bad pass and ripping an absolutely unstoppable shot into the upper 90 from nearly 30 yards out. This astonishing effort would stand up as the only goal of the match, and United would go on to take the Champions League title with a penalty kicks victory over Chelsea in the Final.

Date: 5/4/2011
Matchup: Internazionale vs. Schalke
Round: Quarterfinals

Schalke had been on a terrific run in the Champions League, riding the hot streak of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to reach the quarterfinals against perennial power Inter. The game was not even a minute old when a ball cleared by Neuer fell to Inter's Dejan Stankovic, who unleashed a side volley from midfield that could not have been placed any better. It seems impossible that a goal could be scored from midfield where one could say that the goalkeeper had no chance, but really that's what happened; Neuer made the right decision in charging out of his box to head the ball away, but Stankovic's shot was so good that there was no way to stop it.

Date: 9/12/2000
Matchup: Galatasaray vs. Monaco
Round: First Group Stage

Having a left-footed player to put on the left side of the attack is always a huge asset for any team, and Galatasaray certain got the most out of Hagi as he wound down his career with the Turkish club. He is one of, if not the most, popular players in the history of Turkey, thanks to his heroics in the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2000. This incredible strike showed just how lethal Hagi could be even in his advanced age; his powerful left boot looked like that of a man 10 years younger, sending a sizzling strike into the top corner and helping Galatasaray get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start.

Date: 12/4/2001
Matchup: Arsenal vs. Juventus
Round: Second Group Stage

While Ljunberg went down as the official scorer, the brilliant buildup to this goal is all Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutch striker absolutely skins his defender, beating him three times before sending an impossible flick with the outside of his foot through to Ljunberg. It was a fitting bookend to a masterful evening from Arsenal, who were looking for their first "intermediate" group stage win after dropping their opening match to Deportivo La Coruña. Despite three goals in the competition from Ljunberg and seven from Thierry Henry, Arsenal was unable to qualify for the knockout stages.

Date: 11/1/2005
Matchup: FC Porto vs. Internazionale
Round: Group Stage

Going up against perennial Italian power Inter, FC Porto needed a strong start to their group stage match to stay in the hunt for the knockout stages of the 2005-06 Champions League. Striker Hugo Almeida certainly delivered with this 16th minute free kick, unleashing a ball that kept traveling higher and higher as it neared the goal, rattling the upper 90 as it zoomed past the goalkeeper's outstretched hand. Unfortunately for Porto, a pair of late second half goals from Inter's Julio Cruz gave the Italian side a victory that propelled them to a Group H victory and sentenced Porto to an early exit.

Date: 3/3/1993
Matchup: IFK Goteborg vs. PSV Eindhoven
Round: Group Stage

Sometimes on the pitch, you see players strike balls in ways the totally defy physics. This goal is one such instance. Mikael Nilsson's free kick has such vicious spin on it that the goalkeeper takes a full step in the wrong direction before realizing that the ball is slicing away from him. What makes this incredible ball movement so impressive is that Nilsson also supplies a ton of power on the ball, and to the naked eye it is actually hard to appreciate how much it moves until you slow the replay down. This astonishing effort was part of a 6-1 aggregate thumping Göteborg put on PSV Eindhoven, but nobody in their group could handle AC Milan, who conceded just one goal in their six group stage games to propel themselves into the Finals.

Date: 3/7/2005
Matchup: Barcelona vs. Chelsea
Round: Round of 16

While his fall from grace was dramatic, when he was at his best Ronaldinho was the best player in the world. Trailing 4-3 on aggregate in their round of 16 match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Ronaldinho had seemingly nowhere to go as he settle the ball 22 yards from the goal with multiple Chelsea defenders in front of him. When you're the best, though, it really doesn't matter how many people are trying to mark you; if you've got any space at all, you can make magic happen. The Brazilian attacking midfielder did just that, slicing the ball into the side netting with the outside of his foot while taking absolutely no run-up to his shot. If you were wondering how special an effort is required to beat Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, there you go.

Date: 5/6/2009
Matchup: Chelsea vs. Barcelona
Round: Semifinals

Essien was never much of a goal scorer, instead serving as more of a holding center midfielder while Frank Lampard moved forward into the attack. He was certainly on the spot here, though, hitting a stunning first-time volley in the ninth minute that rocketed past Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes and put Chelsea up 1-0. After drawing 0-0 in Barcelona, all Chelsea needed to do from there to make the Finals was to simply hang on, and things looked especially good when Barca's Eric Abidal was sent off in the 66th minute; however, an Andres Iniesta goal in the third minute of injury time tied the game and as a result sent Barcelona to the Finals due to the away goals tie breaker.

Date: 9/21/1999
Matchup: PSV Eindhoven vs. Valencia
Round: First Group Stage

It is pretty damn hard just to get your foot on the ball when someone sends in a long, arching pass from over 40 yards away. To be able to control it requires both incredible skill and deep concentration, and to be able to direct it exactly where you want it to go is a feat that is rarely accomplished even for professionals. For Claudio Lopez to get everything right here-the timing, the body positioning, the angle of his shot, the way he struck the ball-seemingly defies all logic for what can be done from that spot on the field. And let's not pretend the goalkeeper was out of position either; he is about two yards off his line, facing Lopez as if the striker was going to shoot. This goal is simply perfection.

Date: 11/2/1999
Matchup: Fiorentina vs. Barcelona
Round: First Group Stage

Anyone who has played soccer before can tell you that, from an attacking perspective, bicycle kicks pretty much never work. It's simply too difficult to flip on your back and strike a ball both cleanly and on target for it to be used any time other than an absolute emergency. For Mauro Bressan to have the confidence (or maybe arrogance?) to try one from 30 yards out defies pretty much all conventional wisdom about when to use it, but what is that expression? So crazy it might work? Bressan shocked the entire stadium with his bold attempt, which ended up screaming into the top corner and sending the goalkeeper careening into the post after a hapless flailing attempt at a diving save.

Date: 9/17/1997
Matchup: Olympiakos vs. FC Porto
Round: Group Stage

Olympiakos had never scored in Champions League competition prior to this 1997 group stage game, and Stelios Giannakopoulos really set the bar high with this magnificent goal. He times his run on the counterattack beautifully, and the ball went from Olympiakos' own 18-yard box to the back of the Porto net in about 10 seconds thanks to an outstanding ball played in to Giannakopoulos between two Porto defenders. The combination of power and precision on this 30-plus yard volley absolutely stunned the goalkeeper, who despite a theatrical dive was nowhere close to the ball.

Date: 5/15/2002
Matchup: Real Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Round: Finals

It simply does not get any better than Zizou's amazing left-footed volley against Bayer Leverkusen. With the game tied at 1-1 in the 45th minute, the French legend found himself alone near the top of the 18 with ball arching towards him after a frantic pass from left back Roberto Carlos. Most players in that situation would have tried to settle the ball and get a higher percentage shot; fortunately for Real Madrid, Zidane was not most players. His incredible strike with his alleged "off" foot would have been a great goal in any match, but the fact that this strike won his team Champions League title makes it the best ever.