Have you ever watched matches where Goalkeepers Turned Scorers? Let’s show you some. The UEFA Champions League has returned, and from the very first day, it’s already dishing out thrilling drama.
Instances When Goalkeepers Turned Scorers
On September 19, 2023, we witnessed a spectacle as Lazio’s goalkeeper boldly ventured forward and snatched a draw against Atletico Madrid in the 95th minute of the game. This remarkable event has inspired us to reminisce about those extraordinary moments when goalkeepers transformed into heroes.
Here are 10 times when goalkeepers became the unlikeliest of goalscorers:
1. Ivan Provedel’s Unforgettable Header
Let’s kick things off with the hero of the hour, Ivan Provedel. Wearing the number 94 on his back, he charged forward in the 94th minute of the opening game of Champions League Group E, delivering a well-timed header to secure a draw against Diego Simeone’s formidable Atletico Madrid. It was a goal that even Cristiano Ronaldo would applaud. Provedel’s perfectly timed run and clinical finish resembled that of an experienced centre-forward. The 29-year-old Italian etched his name in history as the first goalkeeper to score a UEFA Champions League goal since Vincent Enyeama in 2010.
2. Vincent Enyeama’s Penalty Precision
Speaking of Vincent Enyeama, his goal came from a penalty in the 79th minute while playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv against Lyon. It might not have been as glamorous, but it was effective.
3. Marco Dmitrovic’s La Liga Penalty
In 2021, Marco Dmitrovic showcased his penalty prowess for La Liga’s Eibar against Atletico Madrid. His beautifully taken penalty was a memorable moment, especially since it came against the eventual league champions.
4. Asmir Begovic’s Lightning Strike
Asmir Begovic may have unintentionally initiated a counter-attack, but he ended up creating history by scoring the quickest goal by a goalkeeper in Premier League history. This remarkable feat occurred on November 2, 2013, when he played for Stoke City against Southampton. His kick from his own box found the back of the net just 13 seconds into the game, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records for the longest-range goal in football from a staggering 97.5 yards.
5. Tim Howard’s Wind-Assisted Wonder
In the 2011-2012 Premier League season, Tim Howard scored a goal from his own box in a match between Everton and Bolton Wanderers. Despite being aided by the wind, Howard’s goal remained an impressive achievement, and he decided not to celebrate out of respect for his counterpart.
6. Rafa Gikiewicz’s Dramatic Equalizer
Rafa Gikiewicz’s late-game heroics for Union Berlin in 2018 are unforgettable. The Polish goalkeeper ventured forward and scored the equalizer in the 94th minute, creating a moment of pure footballing drama.
7. Alisson Becker’s Header Heroics
Alisson Becker, the Liverpool goalkeeper, delivered a stunning header to secure victory against West Brom. In the dying minutes of the game, Alisson joined the attack during a corner, connecting with the ball like a prime Peter Crouch and sealing the win in the 95th minute.
8. Oscarine Masuluke’s Puskas-Nominated Bicycle Kick
Oscarine Masuluke, playing for Baroka in the South African league in 2016, produced one of the most remarkable overhead kick goals ever witnessed. He attempted to head a corner to secure a point for his team in the dying seconds of the game. With additional time already elapsed, Masuluke executed an unbelievable bicycle kick that left everyone in awe.
9. Yassine Bounou’s Late La Liga Strike
Yassine Bounou added to the goalkeeper goal tally with his 94th-minute goal for Sevilla in La Liga against Real Valladolid in 2021. Amidst the chaos in the box, Bounou expertly picked his spot, marking the second goalkeeper goal in La Liga for the 2020-21 season.
10. Peter Schmeichel’s Premier League Milestone
Peter Schmeichel, the Danish goalkeeper, made history on October 20, 2001, by becoming the first goalkeeper ever to be credited with a goal in the Premier League. Notably, he achieved this feat while playing for Aston Villa, not Manchester United, towards the end of his illustrious career.
Since Schmeichel’s groundbreaking goal, five more Premier League goalkeepers have found the back of the net. We’ve already mentioned Alisson, Howard, and Begovic in this article; can you name the other two? Share your football knowledge in the comments!
You can also read 10 Most Misunderstood Footballers
