10 Best Solo Goals of All Time

A beautifully crafted solo goal has an appeal that is second to none. 

You only have to listen to the commentaries on some of these goals to understand the intense, bewitching appeal.

The commentator starts off leisurely. He then gains pace as the player gains pace. As the player weaves in and out, we imagine the commentator doing the same. Finally he builds up to the climax and celebrates as the player scores.

Here are 10 of the greatest solo goals of all time. 

10. Saeed Owairan vs. Belgium, 1994

Saudi Arabia only needed a draw from this game to qualify, but midfielder Saeed Owairan won the match with one of the greatest goals in World Cup history. 

Starting out in the middle of his own half, the Saudi legend broke free like a galloping horse. He beat a couple of feeble tackles and emphatically finished into the roof of the net.  

9. Roberto Baggio vs. Czechoslovakia, 1990

Nicknamed the "Divine Ponytail" by the Italian fans, Baggio was magical alongside 'Toto' Schillaci at Italia 90'. 

The tournament is fondly remembered by Italians as Notti Magiche di Totò Schillaci (magical nights of Totò Schillaci). Baggio was, however, just as important for the Azzuri.

In this solo goal, Baggio cuts in from the left side, does a body swerve and gets 1-v.-1 with the keeper. What's most impressive is the excellent finish to cap it off.   

8. Diego Maradona vs. Belgium, 1986

If Maradona had not scored them two famous goals against England earlier in the tournament, this goal may have been his defining one.

He picks up the ball halfway into the opposition half and then uses his sheer pace to leave the Belgian defence behind.

We know what happens next. 

7. George Weah vs. Verona, 1996

Gone be the days when you could sit in front of the television and watch AC Jimbo on Football Italia. 

Flares and fog would give the games a mystical aspect not seen before by viewers of football in England and Ireland. Exotic players like Weah just added to this.

He starts off just outside his own box of all places and just keeps on going before slotting the ball home into the bottom corner.  

6. Michael Owen vs. Argentina, 1998

Michael Owen burst onto the scene in 1998 like no other England player had done before. 

This game is probably more famous for David Beckham's naive dismissal, but Owen scored a magnificent goal with a beautiful finish despite Argentinians being notorious for kicking opponents. 

5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. NAC Breda, 2004

One might wonder how much ability Ibrahimovic has left behind due to his childish antics.

Looking at this goal here, where he makes the defenders look like imbeciles, you cannot help but think could he be better than he actually portrays? 

4. Neymar vs. Flamengo, 2011

What a goal.

The fact that Neymar will play in Europe is obvious, but I think it's essential for him to stay in Brazil for another season or two.

If he continues to display brilliance like this, he will be the best player in the world. 

3. Lionel Messi vs. Getafe, 2007

There comes a point in a player's career when you know he is special. 

This was Messi's moment. He simply glides like an angel across the turf with consummate ease.

You have to watch the video for this one.

2. Ryan Giggs vs. Arsenal, 1999

Cometh the hour, Cometh the man.

The welsh wizard kept Manchester United in treble contention with this unbelievable run and finish.

Patrick Vieira will forever remember the pass that went astray. 

1. Diego Maradona vs. England, 1996

History in the making. 

You can't help but smile when you see it.