Ranking top five goals in FIFA World Cup history

The quadrennial event, the FIFA World Cup has witnessed numerous moments of brilliance which have transcended beyond ordinary football to become the symbols of sporting luxury. The goals scored here are the perfect blend of technical mastery, vision, and calm under pressure. Scored on the biggest stage in front of the world, these goals echo through time, becoming part of football's memory. The goals at the grandest stage of the tournament before the global audiences tell a tale of national pride, triumph and create folklore for the generations of football supporters. 

In this article, we shall look at the top five goals in FIFA World Cup history, spanning across various eras, featuring players from multiple continents and multiple schools of philosophy. 

Ranking top five goals in FIFA World Cup history:

1) Bobby Charlton - England vs Mexico (1966) - Wembley Stadium, London

The best players rise when the game is on the line, and Sir Bobby Charlton did just that against Mexico at Wembley. After a disappointing draw against Uruguay in the World Cup, Charlton took matters into his own hands to break the deadlock. The Manchester United legend picked up the ball in midfield, surged forward for 25 yards, glided past a defender, and unleashed a powerful shot with unstoppable force and precision. 

The strike was crucial as it not only broke a deadlock but also provided the English a cushion to attack more. Roger Hunt doubled the lead for the side to win it 2-0 on home soil.

2) Diego Maradona - Argentina vs England (1986) - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Termed the “Goal of the Century”, Diego Maradona shattered the dreams of the English to win the title after two decades. One of the most celebrated goals in football, Maradona’s effort was nothing but a carefully crafted masterpiece. The Argentine went past multiple defenders in his 60-yard sprint in the knockout game of the tournament to score the beautiful goal. 

The goal came after the controversial “Hand of God” goal. Maradona glided past five defenders with supernatural control, balance, and acceleration, making the opponents look like schoolboys. When the net rattled behind Peter Shilton, the stadium with over 100,000 fans erupted in joy. The strike transcended sport to become a cultural phenomenon while making Maradona an ultimate magician capable of single-handedly deciding the results.

3) Roberto Baggio - Italy vs Czechoslovakia (1990) - Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Italy’s forgotten hero, Roberto Baggio, achieved immortality in Italian football folklore with this goal, long before his infamous penalty miss against Brazil in 1994. The strike he scored against Czechoslovakia showcased his technical brilliance and artistic flair, as his exquisite curling effort found the back of the net. 

The former Juventus forward picked up the ball in midfield and, after a quick exchange of passes, glided past the defenders to charge into the box. Just when it looked like a challenge might come in, he curled the ball past the goalkeeper with elegance. Rome erupted with joy as he doubled the lead in the 78th minute and sealed the win.

4) James Rodríguez - Colombia vs Uruguay (2014) - Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

If there was one thing the 2014 World Cup delivered at an individual level, it was James Rodriguez’s performances. The Colombian international was the breakout superstar of the tournament, and his display etched his name into football history. It also secured him a blockbuster move to Real Madrid. Rodriguez looked like the kind of player who could change a game the moment the ball was at his feet.

And in the round of 16 clash against Uruguay, he did exactly that. The Colombian No 10 controlled the ball with his chest after a teammate’s headed pass. As it dropped in front of him, surrounded by four defenders, he unleashed a stunning left-footed volley. The strike hit the bar and ricocheted in, leaving Fernando Muslera with no chance. That goal not only sealed his Golden Boot but also became one of the standout moments of the tournament, even though Colombia fell short in the quarterfinals. It set the tone for what became a World Cup remembered for its spectacular goals.

5) Benjamin Pavard - France vs Argentina (2018) - Kazan Arena, Russia

Pavard's goal against Argentina was nothing short of stunning. It not only gave France the momentum they needed in the match but also stood out as one of the defining moments of the tournament. The right-footed strike remains one of the most technically perfected goals in World Cup history. 

La Albiceleste were leading by a goal before Pavard’s effort changed the course of the game. The French right-back received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and struck it cleanly into the far corner with absolute precision. The ball flew past Franco Armani, leaving everyone stunned. The Kazan Arena had just witnessed a goal of supreme quality, one that defenders could do little about. France went on to win the game 4 to 3 in a thrilling contest.