There’s just something special about a chipped goal. Unlike screamers from distance or tap-ins from the six-yard box, a chip speaks of swagger and finesse. It’s football’s version of a wink and a smirk.
Whether it’s the cold-blooded coolness of Cantona or the out-of-nowhere magic from John O’Shea, chipped goals remind us that football isn’t just a game of power, it’s a game of daring creativity.
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Let’s take a look at 16 of the best, worst, most outrageous, and downright satisfying chipped goals the beautiful game has ever seen.
Goran Pandev – Genoa vs Verona (2018)
Former Football Manager cult hero Goran Pandev rolled back the years with a jaw-dropping chip in 2018. Late in a game already heading Genoa’s way, Pandev put the cherry on top with a cheeky lob that sailed over the Verona keeper and into the net. The moment was as unnecessary as it was beautiful—exactly what a great chipped goal should be.
Karel Poborský – Czech Republic vs Denmark (Euro 1996)
A defining moment in Czech football history. Poborský picked up the ball, skipped through midfield, and then lifted it casually over Peter Schmeichel with a scoop so exaggerated it looked like a glitch in the Matrix. Not only did it send the Czech Republic to the semifinals, it gave us a goal for the ages.
Dalian Atkinson – Aston Villa vs Wimbledon (1992)
You want Premier League history? This one is pure nostalgia. Atkinson picked up the ball deep in his own half, shrugged off defenders, sprinted past others, and then, cool as anything, lifted the ball over the keeper. It even bounced before crossing the line. Goosebumps.
Raúl – Schalke vs Köln (2012)
Even at the tail end of his career, Raúl still had it. Playing for Schalke in Germany, the Madrid legend curled in a deft chip that oozed control and class. It was the kind of goal that made you say, “Yep, still Raúl.”
Eric Cantona – Manchester United vs Sunderland (1996)
The goal is iconic. The celebration is eternal. Cantona chipped the keeper with the kind of precision that belongs in an art gallery, then stood motionless, collar up, soaking in the adoration of Old Trafford. No fist pump, no run to the corner flag. Just vibes.
Wayne Rooney – Manchester United vs Portsmouth (2007)
Inspired by Cantona, Rooney’s chip was less about style and more about ruthlessness. With one flick of his boot, he turned a through ball into a lesson in finishing. The keeper didn’t stand a chance. Rooney barely celebrated.
Dennis Bergkamp – Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen (2002)
Not many players made goals look like poetry the way Bergkamp did. This one? A gentle lift over the keeper after a slick build-up. No panic, no power—just pure Dutch elegance.
John O’Shea – Manchester United vs Arsenal (2005)
File this under “Things That Should Not Have Happened.” A defensive utility man pulling off a chip at Highbury? And making it look deliberate? O’Shea was so shocked he didn’t even know how to celebrate. Neither did we.
Matt Le Tissier – Southampton (multiple times)
Le Tissier basically wrote the book on chipping. Whether it was a lob from 30 yards or a subtle dink from just outside the box, the Southampton maestro always found a way to lift it over a helpless keeper. He made audacity look routine.
Ángel Di María – Manchester United vs Leicester (2014)
A rare bright spot in Di María’s brief stint at Old Trafford. He scooped the ball with almost no run-up, lifting it just high enough to float over the keeper and nestle into the net. Even if the rest of the match was chaos, that goal was class.
Diego Maradona – Napoli vs Lazio (1985)
This was not just a goal. It was showboating at its most magical. With defenders bearing down, Maradona simply lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper and walked away. No drama, no fuss. Just Diego being Diego.
Lionel Messi – Argentina vs Mexico (2022 World Cup)
In a tense World Cup clash, Messi broke the deadlock with trademark cool. He took one touch outside the box, then sent a cheeky chip skimming past Ochoa into the bottom corner.
It wasn’t flashy—it was effortless, genius, Messi. The kind of goal that whispers, I’ve got this, and suddenly the pressure melts. Pure class on the biggest stage.
Clint Dempsey – Fulham vs Juventus (Europa League, 2010)
A moment etched into Fulham folklore. Down 4–1 on aggregate, Fulham had clawed their way back. Enter Dempsey. In the 82nd minute, he chipped Juve keeper Antonio Chimenti from the edge of the box. It floated into the far corner and Craven Cottage erupted.
“I just thought, what the heck and tried to put it in the far post. Nine times out of ten you won’t make it but sometimes you’ve got to take a risk,” Dempsey said later.
The goal sealed Fulham’s 4–1 win on the night, 5–4 on aggregate. That’s how you make history.
Giovani dos Santos – Mexico vs USA (2011 Gold Cup Final)
This wasn’t just a chip—it was a statement. Giovani jinked his way past defenders, spotted the keeper off his line, and floated the ball past both him and a defender on the line. From that angle? Ridiculous.
Francesco Totti – Inter Milan vs Roma (2005)
When you’re the king of Rome, you don’t just score—you announce yourself. Totti after a solo run, chipped the ball over Julio Cesar, the Inter goalkeeper, from outside the penalty area. It was the type of goal only Totti could score. Iconic.
Robinho – Manchester City vs Arsenal (2008)
At his dazzling best, Robinho lit up the pitch with a moment of pure flair. Spotting the Arsenal keeper off his line, he coolly lifted a chip that floated into the net like it was no big deal. A flash of brilliance that showed exactly why City fans were so excited when he arrived.
Final Whistle
The chipped goal is football at its most confident. It doesn’t rely on brute force or perfect positioning. It’s all about touch, timing, and a little bit of cheek. From the biggest stages to the most unlikely scorers, these 16 goals remind us why we love the game.