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Top of the top: the most memorable goals in football history

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Each goal on this list is a little story that can evoke a storm of emotions. They make us laugh and cry, worry and marvel. The top 10 goals are not just sporting achievements in football, but works of art that touch the soul.

Top 10 incredible goals in football that turned the game around

When the names Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane or Roberto Baggio are mentioned, fans immediately think of their legendary manoeuvres that turned the tide of history. Epic moments like Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ in 1986. Zidane’s goal kick in the 2002 Champions League final, a symbol of technique and elegance, when his left foot made history with a masterpiece worthy of the Louvre gallery itself. Legendary goals in football are not just numbers on the scoreboard, they are symbols of an era when the entire stadium stood still and time seemed to stop.

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Interesting facts:

  1. Diego Maradona ran 60 metres, beating five English players, before scoring his famous ‘Century’ goal in 1986.
  2. Zinedine Zidane’s goal in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen was scored from his left foot, even though he is right-handed, making the event even more unique.

The most beautiful goals in football history

Some goals make you wonder whether it is possible to create works of art on the football pitch too. Roberto Carlos’ shot against France in 1997 epitomised the physically impossible: a ball that spun round the wall changed the laws of physics and proved that real magic was possible. It was scored from a distance of 35 metres, and the speed was about 137 km/h, which stunned not only the spectators, but also the players themselves.

The list of top goals in football necessarily includes masterpieces of Lionel Messi, when he in 2007, like a choreographer, moved through the defence of “Getafe” and left behind a whole troupe of defeated defenders. In that episode, Messi showed tremendous ball control, beating 6 players and the goalkeeper to score one of the most memorable goals of his career.

Aesthetics and excitement merge into one, and the ball flies into the goal like a brush painting the final stroke on a painting. These moments become icons that inspire generations of footballers and fans around the world.

Top free kick goals in football that no one expected

Top of the top: the most memorable goals in football historyWhen the whistle blows and the ball is ready for a penalty kick, spectators hold their breath, anticipating something special. One man decides the outcome of the game with a single touch. David Beckham in 2001 against Greece – his legendary free-kick from 25 metres not only took England to the World Cup, but also became a symbol of courage and precision.

Or Ronaldinho’s shot against England in 2002 from 35 metres, when goalkeeper Simen could only watch as the ball majestically crossed the goal line. These are fragments of history when players go beyond the ordinary and create real magic.

Top of the most famous goals of all time: let’s appreciate them on their own merits

The best World Cup goals of all time: the legends who made history

World Cups are the stage where destinies are sealed and individual talent is intertwined with collective dreams. Diego Maradona’s shot against England in 1986, when he carried the ball across half the pitch after beating five players, is a moment that symbolises a triumph of will and genius. Or Mario Goetze’s famous strike in 2014, which brought Germany the league title, the epitome of coolness and technical skill. The whole world watches every touch of the ball, every kick and every goal that changes history.

Top long-range goals in football: when distance is not an obstacle

For true masters, distance is just a number. The lists of the best are filled with shots that defy the laws of logic and gravity. David Beckham’s half-volley against Wimbledon in 1996 is a perfect example where distance is not a hindrance, but only an excuse for a great episode. Or Ronaldo’s shot against Porto in 2009, when the ball from 40 metres ended up in the goal as if guided by an invisible hand. It’s a challenge thrown to the world, which comes back in the form of cheers and applause.

The most unexpected goal: when the script is out of control

Sometimes one jump, one precise header and history is rewritten. The top goals in football include such incredible shots as Sergio Ramos’ spectacular goal in the 2014 Champions League final.

On a night when hopes were fading, in the 93rd minute of the match against Atletico Madrid, Sergio Ramos soared over the defenders like a phoenix and sent the ball into the net with incredible accuracy after a corner kick. That shot was a true symbol of will and determination, bringing Real Madrid back into the game and taking the match into overtime.

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In the end, the Galacticos took their tenth Champions League title, the long-awaited Deshima. Ramos showed that header goals can be not only physically powerful, but also filled with a huge emotional charge when everything is on the line. It was the culmination of years of anticipation and a real treat for all Real Madrid fans around the world.

Conclusion

The most unexpected goal: when the scenario got out of handThe most colourful, unexpected and memorable fragments remain in history forever. These are the TOP unbelievable goals in football that became something more than just the result of the match. Millions of people around the world held their breath when one kick changed everything and made everyone feel part of a great event. Football is a culture, and every goal taken is the most meaningful moments.

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The 2025 FINA World Championships will be one of the most important events on the global sporting calendar. Dozens of countries, hundreds of athletes and millions of spectators will take part in the competition, both in the pools and in front of their screens. The programme includes all the major disciplines, from classic swimming to spectacular high diving. The event is a full-fledged sports festival with a rich programme, intrigue and record-breaking events.

Format and disciplines of the 2025 World Swimming Championships

Each discipline at the 2025 FINA World Championships has its own unique story and schedule.

  1. Classic swimming. One of the most anticipated events. The focus is on the battle for tenths of a second over distances from 50 to 1,500 metres. Athletes will compete in the freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and medley disciplines.
  2. Synchronised swimming. A spectacular combination of artistic performance and athletic power. Crews from different countries will present their programmes in duets and groups. High precision, artistic talent and synchronisation of movements will be the main assessment criteria.
  3. Water polo. Teamwork and a tight competition schedule make this block one of the most dynamic. The 2025 World Swimming Championships will consist of events for both men and women. The emphasis is on interaction, throwing accuracy, tactics and emotional resilience.
  4. Diving. Divers will perform from 1, 3 and 10 metre springboards. The jury will assess technique, the difficulty of the elements and the beauty of the entry. Both beginners and experienced masters will demonstrate competitive intensity in individual and synchronised disciplines.
  5. High diving. Height, risk and artistry. The 27-metre platform dives are one of the most extreme parts of the tournament. Participants perform a series of acrobatic elements under conditions that require maximum concentration and precision. High Diving 2025 will give spectators a real adrenaline rush.
  6. Open water swimming. Participants compete at distances ranging from 5 to 25 kilometres. Waves, currents, water temperature and the lack of signage increase the demands on navigation and endurance. Open water swimming in 2025 will test both physics and psychology.

Athletes and teams: who should you keep an eye on?

Format and disciplines of the 2025 World Swimming ChampionshipsThe 2025 FINA World Championships will bring together representatives from more than 80 countries, including top favourites, returning veterans and rising stars. The competition covers all continents and training levels: from beginners to Olympic titans. Each team will send its strongest line-up, selected according to the principles of qualifications, national team selection and training camps.

World names and young sensations

In men’s swimming, it is expected to be an exciting battle between continents, with athletes from the United States, Australia, Japan and France traditionally setting record performances. In women’s swimming, representatives from China, Canada and Italy dominate, especially in the butterfly and medley. Athletes from Africa and South America are participating in the high jump for the first time. The new teams are quickly developing their technical base and training high-level divers who can compete with the current leaders.

Competition in team disciplines

Water polo will increase the rivalry between Eastern European countries. Hungary, Serbia and Croatia are returning to the top, demonstrating strict discipline, tactical variability and teamwork. The national women’s teams of the United States, Spain and the Netherlands will add extra dynamism with an emphasis on fast attacks and aggressive pressing.

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Trends and expectations:

  1. Swimming: South Asian teams, once marginal, are seeing a strong improvement in results. Active implementation of biomechanics and digital analysis is raising the bar for technical training.
  2. Synchronised swimming: the art that goes beyond the classics. The South Korean and Brazilian teams are presenting unconventional compositions with elements of theatre and visual spectacle.
  3. High jump: introduction of new equipment and expansion of the geographical area. The towers are equipped with a visual trajectory recording system, which gives the analysis more depth.
  4. Diving: China is still the leader, but the pressure is increasing as Great Britain and Mexico send their best athletes of the past 10 years.

What can we expect from the 2025 FINA World Championships?

The organisers are not focusing solely on the sporting aspect. The tournament will be a media and cultural phenomenon. A rich space will be created around the stadiums with training zones, VR stations and merchandising areas. In each section, spectators will have the opportunity to study the rules of the sport in detail, meet former athletes and participate in interactive activities.

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The presence effect will be enhanced by the installation of round cameras, synchronisation with mobile devices and the ability to change angles. Augmented reality graphics visualise athlete data such as heart rate, speed, energy consumption and accuracy. Analytical studios prepare daily reviews and predictions, with commentators who have years of experience, including champions from previous years, participating.

Viewing and participation formats

The tournament’s media platform covers the entire spectrum of digital technologies. The 2025 World Swimming Championships will be broadcast live via satellite channels, mobile apps and interactive stands in the stadiums. The emphasis will be on far-reaching personalisation of content, tailored to the interests of each individual viewer.

Interactive and convenient:

  1. Direct access to the broadcast from any location: pool, tower, playing field.
  2. Select the language for comments, check the emphasis and view the types of infographics.
  3. Ability to connect to live analyses in split-view format.
  4. Digital ticket sales and seat reservations with accurate hall visualisation.

The app includes push calendar reminders, GPS navigation in the stadiums and the ability to create an individual visit plan.

Infrastructure and organisation of the 2025 World Swimming Championships

The host city is transforming sports logistics into a model of efficiency. Platforms for high jump, synchronised swimming and open water swimming will be installed at various locations, taking into account accessibility by means of transport, weather conditions and safety. The sports stadiums will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment: tactile starting blocks, motion registration systems, 3D diving storyboards, soundproof stands and adjustable water temperatures. Each location will have air-conditioned recreation areas, charging stations, Wi-Fi and medical facilities. The organisers are taking into account the needs of people with limited mobility by installing lifts, wide aisles and touch-sensitive navigation.

Planning and availability

The organisers of the 2025 World Swimming Championships are optimising the schedule to prevent important finals from overlapping. The morning sessions are dedicated to qualifying swims and preliminary diving events. In the evening, the semi-finals and finals take place with musical accompaniment, light shows and award ceremonies. The competitions will be synchronised with the primetime broadcasts of the major television companies. This will increase the reach of the broadcasts and allow maximum attention to be paid to the highlights of the tournament. Important: Each visitor can choose the form of their visit: during the day, in the evening or a combination of both.

Conclusion

What can we expect from the 2025 FINA World Championships?The 2025 FINA World Championships will raise the bar in terms of organisation, entertainment and technology. The tournament combines sporting aesthetics, excitement and technical perfection. Hundreds of medals, dozens of records, millions of fans: all this takes place in the context of a major water festival, where every second counts.

Cycling has long ceased to be a hobby for fans of speed and fresh air. It’s a business where every effort translates into six-figure contracts. The world’s highest-paid cyclists earn as if every uphill climb they make is an investment with a return higher than Tesla shares in 2020.

Top 10 highest paid cyclists: who earns the most

At the financial pinnacle of cycling are the top ten who combine medals with marketing and turn seconds on the track into large sums of euros in their accounts. Here’s how the ranking of the richest cyclists currently looks like:

  1. Tadej Pogačar.
  2. Primož Roglić.
  3. Geraint Thomas.
  4. Tom Pidcock.
  5. Egan Bernal.
  6. Remco Evenepool.
  7. Julian Alaphilippe.
  8. Wout van Art.
  9. Jonas Wingegaard.
  10. Mathieu van der Pool.

The sums are not just the salaries of professional athletes. They are a fraction of advertising contracts, win bonuses, leader’s jersey bonuses and signing bonuses from teams.

Tadej Pogačar: a million for pedalling smoothly

Top of the list of the world’s highest paid cyclists is a Slovenian who has already won the Tour de France twice. UAE Team Emirates pays him €6 million a year. This does not include sponsorship contracts with Red Bull and Colnago. In 2021, Pogachar won three consecutive mountain stages. Such a result is rare. It made the rider a sensation in both sport and finance.

His transfer was the most expensive in the last 10 years in cycling. A 5-year deal totalling over €30 million, his financial growth symbolises a shift in the distribution of income in cycling. Now the bets are not only on experience, but also on an attacking riding style.

Primož Roglić: when strategy costs millions

Another Slovenian on the list. His career started with ski jumping. But his transformation into a world-class cyclist has earned him €4.5 million annually. The Bora-Hansgrohe team offers not only a salary, but also a share of sponsorship integrations. In 2020, Roglić won the Vuelta and in 2021 he won silver at the Tokyo Olympics. An example of a cyclist who compensates for age with experience and economy of effort. His style is a careful saving of energy in the first stages with a powerful finish. This appeals to team analysts and advertisers willing to invest in stability.

Geraint Thomas: experience turned into euros

Geraint Thomas: an experience turned into a euroThe Briton with the personality of a physics teacher and the legs of a sprinter brings Ineos Grenadiers around €3.5m in expenses per year. The 2018 Tour de France winner is consistently in the top 10 of the highest-paid cyclists. In the 2022 season, Thomas finished in the top three at two grand tours at once. He proved that age is no barrier to victory.

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In addition to racing, Thomas is actively involved in documentary projects, podcasts and promoting the Ineos brand. This strengthens his financial position. He generates his income from cycling not only through racing, but also through his image.

Tom Pidcock: an all-rounder in business and on a budget

British phenomenon. Olympic champion in mountain biking and winner of the Strade Bianche. One of the most promising contenders for the Tour de France. Pidcock earns €2.7m a year. His income includes contracts with Red Bull and Ineos. He wins in different disciplines. For this he has been compared to a young Peter Sagan.

Pidcock’s financial forecasts are optimistic: his style and charisma could double his income in the next 2 seasons. The world’s highest-paid cyclists are shaping a new paradigm where it’s not just speed that matters, but also media exposure.

Egan Bernal: a breakthrough that cost a lot of money

The Colombian has surprised with his speed of recovery after a serious injury in 2022. Despite the forced break, the Ineos team keeps him under contract at €2.5m per year. Winning the Tour de France in 2019 brought Bernal instant recognition. A return to training after a road accident only enhanced his status.

He remains a marketing asset due to his charisma, age and the South American market. His name is associated with a symbol of resilience. The answer to the question of how much cyclists earn, in his case, is a story of perseverance, not just victories.

Remco Evenepool and other rising millionaires

Positions in the ranking of the richest cyclists are no longer limited to veterans. Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian phenomenon, earned €2.3 million in 2024. His victory at the World Road Race Championships and his strong starts at the Grand Tours strengthened his contract with Soudal-Quick Step. For his attacking riding style, analysts are calling him “the new Cancellara”. This approach is perfectly monetised – the team actively uses the rider’s name in promos. Nike signed a contract with him until 2026.

Julian Alaphilippe is also consistently on the list of the world’s highest-paid cyclists. He is the leader in terms of classics victories among active Frenchmen. His income of €2 million is justified by his results, his popularity in the national market and his status as the face of Deceuninck. He is regularly quoted by the French press as the main inspiration for the “new wave” in cycling.

Wout van Art and media cycling

The Belgian, who can win any stage from flat to mountain, earns €1.9m annually. The Jumbo-Visma team rates his versatility higher than most sprinters. The energy drink adverts bring in a steady income. He often appears in special issues of magazines and takes part in various disciplines, including cyclocross. This attracts brands and increases interest in his persona.

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These riders are shaping the new face of cycling. To versatility on the track is added versatility outside of racing. His income from professional sport comes not only from victories, but also from his popularity outside of competition.

Jonas Wingegaard: the price of the yellow jersey

The Dane, who won the 2022 and 2023 Tour de France, earns €1.8m. His contract with Jumbo-Visma remains lower than many in the top, yet Wingegaard has been extremely efficient, with 40 per cent of his starts finishing in the top 3.

Contracts with Scandinavian brands increase personal income. The team’s internal strategy allocates bonuses to riders based on team tactics. This model reinforces financial discipline and reduces salary spikes. But that doesn’t stop him from staying in the ranking of the world’s highest-paid cyclists.

Mathieu van der Pool: creative billionaire on a bike

The Dutch rider, often featured on the covers of cycling magazines and in Shimano adverts, earns €1.6 million. He has won the Milano-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders, as well as consistently finishing at the top of the world championships.

His income is generated at the intersection of sporting performance and marketing uniqueness. Van der Pool collaborates with brands from the fashion sector, including G-Star RAW. This extends the reach of the audience beyond cycling.

Conclusion

Primož Roglić: when strategy is worth millionsThe world’s highest paid cyclists are not only strong riders but also media figures. Their income is derived from results, popularity and commercial value. Today, cycling is a business where victories bring capital and earnings depend on the level: from thousands of euros to multi-million dollar contracts. Success is a combination of form, strategy and image.