World Football: 22 Jaw-Dropping Goals to See Before You Die

If you had to see 22 goals before you died, these would probably be my choice.

Sure there will have been one or two down the years that I have forgotten about, and there will be a few more—hopefully—to remember before I do actually croak, but these goals stand out as some of the best I've ever witnessed.

From sublime pieces of skill and intricate interplay, to mazy runs and pure power, there's something in here for everyone to enjoy.

Cristiano Ronaldo

This goal against Osasuna for Real Madrid was an absolute rocket by Cristiano Ronaldo.

No wonder he flashes his thigh muscle in celebration.

Meaty.

Wayne Rooney

With the score 0-0 against your fiercest rivals and just five minutes remaining on the clock, things like this can take your breath away.

Athletic.

Roberto Carlos

Think you can hit a free kick with swerve? Roberto Carlos can.

1997 saw the Brazilian strike one of the best ever seen.

Power.

George Weah

Just to clarify, George Weah does start his run from his own penalty area to score this goal.

Mesmerising.

Marco Van Basten

Marco Van Basten would probably be being talked about as one of the best players that ever lived if injury hadn't cut his career short.

This is one of his finest strikes from an impossible angle.

Technique.

Dennis Bergkamp

Dennis Bergkamp was one of the first Dutchmen to get Arsenal pulses racing.

Here he demonstrates the most amazing poise, strength, skill and touch in one fluid motion.

Astounding.

Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona's celebration for this goal is almost as famous as the goal itself.

The finish was as sublime as the build up.

Cheeky.

Zinedine Zidane

They say big games are for big players, and Zinedine Zidane is just that.

Here he swings his supposed weaker foot in the 2002 Champions League final.

Ambidextrous.

Paul Gascoigne

For English people, it doesn't get any more patriotic than Paul Gascoigne's goal against Scotland in Euro 1996.

Thirsty.

Roberto Carlos 2

Roberto Carlos and swerve go together like seats and a steering wheel.

Another impossible shot from the Brazilian.

Angles.

Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs increased his legendary stock in Manchester with this wonder run and strike against Arsenal back in 1999.

Shirtless.

Paul Scholes

Then again anything Ryan Giggs can do, Paul Scholes can do better.

Volley.

Steven Gerrard

The last minute of an FA Cup final is a good time to score when your team is losing 3-2.

Smashing one in from 25 yards is even better.

Inspirational.

David Beckham

Apparently David Beckham is known for having a wonderful right foot, here he proves it with a shot from the half-way line.

Distance.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

This goal was back when Zlatan Ibrahimovic used to run with the ball.

There's a fair few defenders who are left looking like statues before the Swede decides to pull the trigger.

Slalom.

John Arne Riise

Want power in your shot? Watch John Arne Riise for tips on technique.

Cracker.

Rivaldo

Chest control followed by a bicycle kick.

That's just standard for a Brazilian to have in his locker, just ask Rivaldo.

Trend setter.

Ronaldinho

Here's Ronaldinho doing his best Rivaldo impression—told you it was standard for Brazilians.

Copycat.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi had to be on this list. One loose bit of play and it's in the back of the net.

Legendary.

Kaka

Kaka may have fallen from grace slightly since moving from AC Milan, but this goal remains outstanding.

Manchester United's defense just couldn't handle the Brazilian who finished calmly.

Assured.

Xabi Alonso

Was this 65 yards or was it 70 yards? Does anyone really care?

Xabi Alonso shoots from his own half and scores.

Range.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Whilst there are still some games remaining this season, I wouldn't be surprised if this goal won the honours as being the season's best.

Take a bow Hatem Ben Arfa.

Driven.

Afterthoughts

There are plenty of goals still milling through my mind that almost made the list before they were discarded.

I KNOW that I've missed a big goal somewhere, just know it, so feel free to tell me about your personal favourites that are must-sees by writing in the comment field below.

On Twitter? Follow me @petercwebster where I post all my B/R content.