The 10 best long range goals in football

Who doesn’t love long range goals? Whether it’s a last minute goal in a match of no consequence or a first minute effort that sets the tone, goals scored from outside the box have their own special place in football.

On that note, we compiled our own list of best long range goals. Since it is difficult to judge the distance from where the goal was scored, we have taken many parameters into account, like the surprise factor involved, the speed of the shot, the angle of the shot and in some cases, sheer ingenuity in hitting the strike.

So, in no particular order, here are the 10 best long range goals in football:

Note: This collection is subject to the author’s opinion. If you think we have missed out on some obvious long range goals, please mention them in the comments and we will add them.

Clarence Seedorf’s timeless strikes

This AC Milan and Real Madrid stalwart is best remembered for his insane long range effort a few years back. Very few players would actually try a shot from that range, but Seedorf tried and succeeded in hitting a tremendous shot that gave the goalkeeper no chance.

Seedorf’s 40-yard goal for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid happened in the 1997/98 season, a full 15 years ago. But even today, this goal makes for great viewing.

http://youtu.be/BhYGtp26IRU

The sheer audacity of the shot is what took the keeper by surprise. And if that was not enough, 6 years later Seedorf did it again, this time playing for AC Milan against arch-rivals Inter.

Again, he cuts inside, has a look and BAM! A strike to remember, and in a derby match no less.

Skip to 11:40 in the video below to see Seedorf’s goal

http://youtu.be/HAGNALDjUHM

Andrea Pirlo’s leaf shot

This is a personal favourite, not because it was scored by Pirlo (ok, maybe that too), but because of the strike itself. It hardly seems to have any pace behind it, and seems to float like a leaf in the wind.

Add in the fact that the keeper can see the ball coming a long way and still can’t stop it, and you understand why this strike is rated so highly. Just a simply tap of his boots and Pirlo sends the ball gliding into the net.

Pure class.

http://youtu.be/RS_Iej2VL3c

I’ll admit this isn’t a very popular goal. In fact, it’s not at all popular. But when you take a look at the goal, you wonder why more and more people don’t rave about it.

For starters, it’s a free-kick, so the keeper is expecting the ball to come his way. Maybe not at the speed and direction it eventually did, but there is no surprise element in this strike. It’s a set-piece and there’s a wall of players attempting to block the shot.

And it still goes in. Too bad there’s hardly anyone in the stands to cheer the shot.

Remember the name – Burnel Okana.

http://youtu.be/D4Y6_O_vfZo

Eddy Bosnar’s supersonic free-kick

Another one of those unpopular names in football, Eddy Bosnar’s goals hardly make the front pages.

Except for this one below.

Playing for the Suwon Bluewings of the K League, Bosnar stepped up and hit a freekick so hard that the ball ended up travelling at an astonishing speed of 121.68 kmph.

That’s 76 miles, in case you were wondering. One of the fastest freekicks of all-time, and worthy of being mentioned in this list.

http://youtu.be/35uwwbrIKB8

Hugo Almeida’s thumping freekick for Porto against Inter Milan

This, for me, is one of the best videos of a freekick. Not just because of the quality of the strike, but because the match was being played in a near-empty stadium, you can actually hear the thump of the ball being absolutely battered by Almeida.

The sound effects actually add a lot to the freekick, making it seem even more unstoppable.

That’s the second goal on our list that was scored against Inter Milan. Maybe their opponents are on to something!

http://youtu.be/-5ihIMKh0E0

Drogba’s scorcher vs AC Milan

Granted this isn’t the most competitive match in the world, but just look at the goal! And look how Drogba just lifts his head, decides where he wants the ball to go and then sends it on its way to the net at a hundred gazillion miles per hour.

An exceptional strike from an exceptionally gifted individual. If only we could turn back the clock, eh Chelsea fans?

http://youtu.be/jY8qm9o37Dg

Glen Johnson’s amazing goal for Portsmouth

This goal is special for a number of reasons:

a) It’s a Glen Johnson goal.

b) It’s a weak-foot effort from outside the box.

c) It’s a Glen Johnson goal.

Seriously, when was the last time you read the words “Glen Johnson” and “amazing” in the same sentence?

This was during Johnson’s time at Portsmouth (remember them?), in a galaxy far far away. A lot of time has passed since.

The only thing that hasn’t changed since Johnson left Portsmouth is his weird/horrible hairdo.

http://youtu.be/DI54K-s9pEw

Erik Edman’s piledriver vs Liverpool

It was April 2005, a sunny day at Anfield. Liverpool were hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the EPL, and Erik Edman was playing for the Lilywhites.

A leftback by trade, Edman’s job was to protect the left flank and try to keep a clean sheet.

But Edman had other ideas, namely scoring a goal from 38 yards out and etching his name into the history books.

For the record, this was Edman’s only goal for Spurs. But if you are going to score only one goal in your lifetime, better make it his one:

http://youtu.be/_PucygPfjIw

Roberto Carlos’ three best strikes

Roberto Carlos’ left foot has perhaps caused more sleepless nights for goalkeepers than any other player in the world. Some of his strikes were simply physics-defying works of art; others were like missiles launched from miles away.

No angle too acute, no distance too long – Roberto Carlos could shoot from anywhere and score.

http://youtu.be/vnB_4Jtfy6A

Notable mention

No list of long range goals is complete without Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool skipper was famous for his goals from outside the box, whether it’s the one versus West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final or the one against Olympiakos that sent Andy Gray in a “oh you beauty” tizzy and Liverpool into the 2005 Champions League knockout stages.

Since it’s a nightmare choosing the best from all his efforts, we leave you with a video of his best long range goals.

http://youtu.be/vnB_4Jtfy6A

Note: This collection is subject to the author’s opinion. If you think we have missed out on some obvious long range goals, please mention them in the comments and we will add them.