GOAL looks back at nine of the most memorable goal celebrations from World Cups past and present.
The World Cup is a festival of football. People from every corner of the globe coming together to play the world’s greatest and most unifying sport. Something so special that we’re only allowed one every four years. It reminds us why we call it .
Now, imagine scoring at one. Imagine all the hours you’ve put in during your life to reach that moment: scoring for your country. The training sessions as a kid, the long journeys to games in your parent’s car, the dedication needed to get into starting line-ups, the feeling of being called up to the national team for the first time.
When you add it all up, there’s no wonder that some of the most iconic celebrations of all time have come during World Cups. Here’s a rundown of our favourites.
Getty ImagesSiphiwe Tshabalala vs Mexico | World Cup 2010
“TSHABALALAAAA!!! GOAL BAFANA BAFANA! GOAL FOR SOUTH AFRICA! GOAL FOR ALL AFRICA!” The opening goal of the 2010 World Cup gave us one of the most perfect pieces of football commentary ever, and the South African team’s synchronised dance, a sort of remixed Macarena, gave Siphiwe Tshabalala’s incredible goal the celebration it deserved.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBrian Laudrup vs Brazil | World Cup 1998
Scored against Brazil, sprinted off, slid to the floor, rested on his elbow like he was the very chilled-out subject of a life-drawing. The connoisseur's celebration.
Getty ImagesBebeto vs Netherlands | World Cup 1994
Having a baby is quite a big thing, but so is scoring a goal against the Netherlands in a World cup quarter-final. After rounding Netherlands goalkeeper Ed de Goey and rolling the ball into the back of the net, Brazilian forward Bebeto sprinted towards the sideline pretending to rock a baby. Teammates Mazinho and Romario followed, and the three players instinctively cradled together, all with massive smiles on their faces. Great.
Getty ImagesRoger Milla vs Romania | World Cup 1990
"It was instinctive," Milla said years later of his celebration. “It was the sun that sent me there; it was a good place to dance on the pitch.” If you could move your hips like Roger Milla, you’d probably celebrate goals like this too, and his Makossa-style dance next to the corner flag is still one of Italia 90’s most famous images.