Collection of 10 best last minute goals in football history

Football is always fascinating because of its drama and breathtaking matches. In particular, nothing demonstrates this more clearly than the last-minute goals, when the pressure is at its highest. These moments are not only decisive for titles, championship cups or glory, but also a testament to the will and relentless effort. Although this list cannot include every impressive moment, throughout more than two centuries of the king of sports, those goals have been engraved in the memories of fans. Here are the 10 best last minute goals in football history selected by Premiumsoccertips – goals that contributed to creating legendary pages in history.

Top 10 greatest last-Minute Goals in history

10. Nacer Chadli: Belgium 3-2 Japan (2018 World Cup – Round of 16)

In the summer of 2018, when the FIFA World Cup was in full swing, Japan and Belgium met in the round of 16 in Rostov. Despite being considered underdogs, the Samurai Blue stunned the world by taking a 2-0 lead in the second half, putting the Red Devils in a difficult position and surpassing all initial predictions.

However, Japan’s advantage did not last long. Jan Vertonghen gave Belgium hope with a brilliant header, then Marouane Fellaini scored the equalizer. Although Japan tried their best and created many chances, they could not convert them into goals. When the match seemed to be going into extra time, Belgium suddenly organized an exemplary counter-attack. Romelu Lukaku cleverly gave up the ball, creating conditions for Nacer Chadli to run in and score the decisive goal, completing an impressive comeback.

9. Ben Watson: Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City (2013 FA Cup Final)

The 2012/13 season ended with an emotional FA Cup final, where Manchester City were desperate for a trophy to salvage their season. After being overtaken by Manchester United in the Premier League title race and surprisingly defeated by Aston Villa in the EFL Cup final, Roberto Mancini’s side set their sights on winning the FA Cup. However, their opponents, Wigan Athletic – a modest side – created a big surprise that few could have predicted.

Wigan started the game confidently and played tenaciously throughout the 90 minutes, constantly causing difficulties for Man City, especially when they were down to 10 men. When the score was still 0-0 in stoppage time, the turning point happened. From Shaun Maloney’s corner, Ben Watson jumped high to head the ball dangerously, sending it beyond Joe Hart’s reach. The Wembley Stadium held its breath before the 80,000-strong crowd erupted in cheers. The goal not only ended Wigan Athletic’s 81-year wait for a title but also made history, despite the club being relegated from the Premier League.

8. Fabio Grosso: Italy 1-0 Germany (2006 FIFA World Cup – semi-final)

The 2006 World Cup semi-final between Italy and Germany at the Dortmund Stadium was one of the most dramatic encounters in football history. Facing the hosts and favourites, Italy brought their trademark solid defensive style of play. Throughout the 90 minutes of regulation time, the Azzurri defence held out against Germany’s relentless attacks, keeping the score at 0-0 and forcing the match into extra time.

Just as everyone was thinking about a penalty shootout, Italy broke the deadlock. From a corner that Germany had cleared, the ball fell to Andrea Pirlo, who quickly made a beautiful pass to Fabio Grosso. Grosso curled in a perfect shot to open the scoring and send the stadium into a frenzy. Alessandro Del Piero finished the game off with a brilliant counter-attack shortly afterwards, sealing a 2-0 victory. It was a night to remember, as Italy proved their mettle and continued their march towards the title.

7. Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (2013/14 Champions League Final)

Despite their desire to win La Decima, Real Madrid faced Atletico Madrid in the 2013/14 Champions League final. Atletico, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, had a memorable season, winning La Liga and coming close to a historic double. In the match, Atletico took the lead in the 36th minute and adopted a tight defensive style, building a “wall” in front of the goal. Although Real Madrid continuously pressed, their attacks were all neutralized by Atletico’s solid defense.

With the clock pointing to the 94th minute of added time, victory seemed to be in Atletico’s hands. However, Real Madrid were awarded the final corner kick, and Sergio Ramos brilliantly jumped high to head the ball into the net, tying the score at 1-1 in a historic moment. Entering extra time with high spirits, Real Madrid scored three more goals, ending the match with a 4-1 victory. That Lisbon night, Real Madrid officially won La Decima, marking a spectacular comeback in Champions League history.

6. Arjen Robben: Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich (2012/13 Champions League Final)

The 2012/13 season saw Borussia Dortmund emerge as Bayern Munich’s formidable challengers, having won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double the previous season. However, Bayern responded strongly, reclaiming both domestic titles from Dortmund. Despite finishing runners-up in the Bundesliga and the Pokal, Dortmund still held out hope of making history by reaching the Champions League final, where they faced Bayern again in a high-profile clash. Under Jürgen Klopp, Dortmund played with determination, controlling the tempo of the game and creating plenty of dangerous chances.

The second half was more exciting as Mario Mandžukić opened the scoring for Bayern, but Ilkay Gündogan coolly levelled the score with a penalty. Just as the game looked set to enter extra time, the fateful moment struck. In the 89th minute, Franck Ribéry made a delicate backheel pass for Arjen Robben to break free. With skill and composure, Robben overcame the tired Dortmund defense, scoring the decisive goal to give Bayern a 2-1 victory. It was a sweet night for Bayern Munich and a regretful night for Dortmund, ending an emotional season.

5. Troy Deeney: Watford 3-2 (ag) Leicester City (2012/13 Championship Play-off semi-final second leg)

The Promotion Play-off semi-final between Watford and Leicester City at Vicarage Road has become one of the most unforgettable moments in English football history. Watford led 2-1 from the second leg, but Leicester’s 1-0 win in the first leg left the aggregate score at 2-2, sending the match into a thrilling stoppage time. Leicester were awarded a crucial penalty in the 95th minute, and Anthony Knockaert stepped up with the chance to decide the game. However, his shot was brilliantly saved by Manuel Almunia, and even his follow-up effort was saved by the Watford goalkeeper.

Taking advantage of the mental boost from the spectacular save, Watford immediately launched a lightning counter-attack. From a precise pass, Jonathan Hogg’s tactical header sent the ball to Troy Deeney. Not missing the opportunity, Deeney coolly finished, hitting the Leicester net in an explosive crowd. In just 19 seconds from the blocked penalty to the decisive goal, Watford wrote a legendary chapter, winning a ticket to the Play-off final with the highest drama.

4. Andres Iniesta: Spain 1-0 Netherlands (2010 FIFA World Cup Final)

The 2010 World Cup final was a historic moment as Spain made their first appearance in the deciding match, facing a resilient Netherlands team led by Bert van Marwijk. The Netherlands had overcome strong opponents such as Uruguay and Brazil in their run to the final, while Spain had beaten Paraguay and Germany. Despite both teams creating chances, the match remained goalless after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.

As the second period of extra time drew to a close, Spain piled on the pressure in search of a final chance. A pass from behind found Fernando Torres, but he was unable to reach the ball. However, the ball fell to Cesc Fàbregas, who quickly passed the ball into the box for Andres Iniesta. With a delicate control with his right foot, Iniesta unleashed a decisive shot, sending the ball into the net of Maarten Stekelenburg, bringing a 1-0 victory to Spain. This was not only the goal that brought the first World Cup championship to his country, but also forever engraved Iniesta’s name in football history.

3. Michael Thomas: Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool (1988/89 League Cup Final)

The 1988/89 English football season was extended by several months due to the Hillsborough disaster, which meant that the decisive match between Liverpool and Arsenal was postponed until after the FA Cup final. Liverpool, despite their FA Cup bid, went into the game with a three-point advantage over Arsenal. This meant that Arsenal had to win by at least two goals to win the title.

Arsenal faced a difficult task, with history against them: Liverpool had not lost by two or more goals at Anfield for three years, and the Gunners had not won there for 15 years. However, hope was sparked when Alan Smith scored in the 52nd minute to reduce the deficit to one goal. Although Liverpool held on for most of the remainder of the game, Arsenal made a breakthrough in the closing minutes. A precise long pass found Smith, who fired into space, setting up Michael Thomas. Thomas pounced, beat Steve Nicol and scored the winning goal against Liverpool, giving Arsenal a 2-0 win and the title. The moment has become one of the most dramatic and memorable matches in English football history.

2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham: Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (1998/99 Champions League Final)

The 1999 Champions League final saw Bayern Munich and Manchester United both desperate to complete the treble after winning the domestic and cup doubles. Bayern Munich took a quick lead in the sixth minute, which seemed to end Manchester United’s hopes. However, the Red Devils refused to budge, and although Bayern maintained their lead, the game remained tense.

As the game was about to enter injury time, Manchester United were awarded a corner. David Beckham took the kick, which fell to Dwight Yorke but was cleared, and Ryan Giggs quickly passed it back into the box. The ball missed the net, but Teddy Sheringham was there to finish neatly to make it 1-1. The game continued, and after just 30 seconds, Beckham had another corner. This time, Sheringham’s header was not powerful enough but it flew over the goal, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was there at the right time to score the winning goal. Manchester United won 2-1, completing a historic treble, and the moment has gone down in football history.

1. Sergio Aguero: Manchester City 3-2 QPR (2011/12 Premier League Final)

The 2011/12 season was one of the most tense in Premier League history, with Manchester United and Manchester City both level on points going into the final round, with Manchester City having the better goal difference. The match between Manchester City and QPR turned out to be a title decider, with Manchester United winning 1-0 against Sunderland and hoping their opponents would slip up.

The match at the Etihad Stadium was extremely tense, and when QPR took a 2-1 lead, Manchester City fans began to worry. However, that all changed in stoppage time. As Manchester United fans began to celebrate, thinking they had won the title, Edin Dzeko equalised for City in the 92nd minute, giving the home side hope. However, the real magic came just two minutes later, when Mario Balotelli played a delicate pass to Sergio Agüero. Agüero, with a brilliant run into the box, unleashed a decisive finish, scoring a historic goal to give Manchester City a 3-2 victory. With this victory, Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in over 40 years, capping off a dramatic and unforgettable end to the tournament’s history.

Conclusion

The best last minute goals in football history embody the very essence of the sport, bringing intense emotions and unforgettable moments. From Sergio Agüero’s iconic strike that secured Manchester City’s Premier League title in 2011/12 to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dramatic goal in the 1999 Champions League final, these moments have become legendary in the world of football. Last-minute goals are more than just shots on target; they represent belief, resilience, and the power of will, proving that football is a magical game where anything can happen in the blink of an eye.

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