Whether you call it a bicycle kick or scissors kick, it’s all one incredible acrobatic strike. Here are some of our favorites throughout the years, including those two magnificent strikes from Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in the Champions League.
Alejandro Garnacho, Everton vs. Manchester United, 2023/24 Premier League
Whoever thought a fellow Red Devil could top Wayne Rooney‘s famous bicycle kick in 2011? But the teenage Argentine winger did just that, at least equaling Rooney’s take. Alejandro Garnacho finished a wondrous bicycle kick in the match’s opening minutes, guaranteed to top the list for the 2024 Puskas Award.
Teammate Bruno Fernandes said after the match, “He’s watching too many Cristiano clips!” With that strike and the “siuuuuu” celebration at the corner flag that followed, it’s impossible to think otherwise.
Gareth Bale, Real Madrid vs. Liverpool 2018 Champions League Final
On the biggest stage in the biggest game, Gareth Bale delivered one of the best bicycle kicks the world has ever seen. Angered for not starting the game, the super sub came in and just went for it. It’ll be one of the top-ranked bicycle kicks for years to come.
Zidane, Juventus vs Bayer Leverkusen 2002 Champions League Final
The every talismanic Zinedine Zidane produced a jaw-dropping volley of his own in Champions League play against Bayer Leverkusen. With impeccable timing, the Frenchman slices the ball into the back of the net.
Rivaldo, Barcelona vs. Valencia June 2001
Rivaldo’s hat-trick against Valencia ranks as one of the memorable hat tricks of all-time. But the Brazilian saved the best for last. With two minutes left in regular time, he buried away Valencia with an unbelievable bicycle kick to make it 3-2 and secured his team’s place in Champions League the following season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden vs. England Nov 2012
With a 30-yard free-kick, Zlatan Ibrahimovic put his side up 3-2 against England to complete the hat trick. But the fourth goal topped it off. In one of the most ridiculous goals of all-time, Ibrahimovic scored a 30-yard overhead kick that has been on replay around the world ever since.
Christian Benteke, Liverpool vs. Manchester United 2015
With a beauty of a strike, Belgian forward Christian Benteke rips it past David de Gea, one of the best goalies in the world. Talk about class.
Ronaldo, Real Madrid vs Juventus 2018 Champions League Quarter Final
With over 100 goals in Champions League, Ronaldo will need to look no further for his one of his best goals when he sprung into the air like a gymnast and smashed the ball in the back of the net. Not bad for a so-called aging 33-year-old.
Emre Can, Liverpool vs. Watford 2017
The central midfielder Emre Can drops a stellar bicycle on the run against Watford in 2017 Premiership match that up to that point, really had nothing going for it. The strike shook up the crowd.
Philippe Mexes, Milan vs Anderlecht 2012
With a trap off the chest, French defender Philippe Mexes performs an incredible airborne volley that is too good to be true. It snugs perfectly beyond the goalie’s reach into the bottom left shelf.
Manuel Negrete, Unam vs Puebla 1984
With a beautiful chest trap and a couple of juggles, Mexican midfielder Manuel Negrete performs a stunning bicycle kick to score against Puebla in a league match. The goalie sits motionless, dumbfounded by the glorious hit. He also notched another scissor in a World Cup against Bulgaria in 1986.
Mauro Bressan, Fiorentina vs Barcelona 1999
The most thrilling goal of the six goals scored in the Champions League game between Fiorentina vs. Barcelona comes courtesy of Italian midfielder Mauro Bressan who nets a golazo from nearly 33 yards out.
Wayne Rooney, Man Utd. vs. Man City 2011
In one of the best hits you’ll ever see, English striker Wayne Rooney contorts his body in mid-air to score a screamer in the top right shelf.
