Ranking the 5 most gravity-defying headers in football history

#3 Lionel Messi (vs Manchester United)

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest football players of all-time.

Lionel Messi is not renowned for his heading ability. Standing at a height of just 5’7”, Messi has to rely on his footwork and agility to get the better of opposition defenders.

However, when the former Barcelona superstar scored a header against Manchester United in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final, the entire footballing world took notice.

In the 70th minute, Xavi Hernandez sent in a pinpoint cross which was perfectly executed but Messi still had a lot of work to do. At one point, it seemed like the Barcelona man had mistimed his jump. But he re-positioned his header exquisitely and ended up beating the stranded Edwin van der Sar.

Messi’s header doubled Barcelona’s lead, and the Blaugrana beat Manchester United 2-0 to clinch their third UEFA Champions League title. The reaction from Rio Ferdinand and van der Sar when Messi connected with the header was enough to convey how astonishing the moment was.

---

#2 Robin van Persie (vs Spain)

Robin van Persie was an incredible forward for his clubs and the Netherlands.

Robin van Persie was a great goalscorer during his prime years in the Premier League. The “Flying Dutchman” captained his side to a historic 5-1 win over Spain in the group stages of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Van Persie scored a fine brace against the Spaniards, including a beautiful header.

Spain had beaten the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. Tensions were high when they faced off in the next edition of football’s most elite competition. However, van Persie and co. made light work of the reigning World Cup champions.

The former Arsenal number 10 latched onto Daley Blind’s lob pass with his head by diving forward in full stretch. His jump, which saw him stay afloat for a good few seconds, was timed to perfection, and was one of the best goals of the year. The goal is unlikely to be replicated and is a prime example of a gravity-defying header.

---

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (vs Sampdoria)

Cristiano Ronaldo has one of the best headers in world football in his locker.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored over 100 headed goals in his illustrious career. His height, coupled with his magnificent leap, makes it hard to beat the Portuguese legend in the air. Among his many brilliant headed goals, the one against Sampdoria stands out.

The reason this goal stands out is because of Ronaldo’s colossal jump. He reportedly jumped 2.56 metres high to connect with Alex Sandro’s cross. For reference, the height of the crossbar is around 2.44m above the ground. The Sampdoria defenders were in awe of the Juventus forward's athleticism and could do nothing as the ball hit the back of the net.

The then-Juventus number 7 scored the goal to give the Old Lady a 2-1 lead, which was enough to see off Sampdoria. The leap was unbelievable as he was in the air for quite a substantial period of time. If anyone could pull it off in world football, it was Ronaldo.