Sport of kings: Revisiting football's greatest moments in history

Football is often dubbed the 'sport of kings' due to its unrivalled excitement and drama. The football world has become an avenue for the most iconic stories and moments in the whole sports world. Revisit some of the greatest moments in the sport's history through this guide.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• World Cup finals have recorded multiple moments that have gone down in history, including Pelé's football records, as well as his fourth and final World Cup match.
• Another World Cup moment was Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal. More recently, Andrés Iniesta's tribute to Dani Jarque after Spain's first World Cup win in 2010 was a poignant and memorable event.
• Lionel Messi’s first official goal in the 2005 La Liga season for Barcelona remains one of the most iconic moments that is remembered up to this day. The moment captured the beginning of one of the greatest football legends of all time.

1970 World Cup: Pele played his fourth and final World Cup

Pele, arguably the greatest Brazilian football player, began his World Cup venture with a goal and ended it with two, a poetic end to an esteemed career. The legend is the only player to have won the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962, and 1970. 

His final World Cup in 1970 was a crowning moment as he led Brazil to glory one last time. During the match, Pelé was a constant threat to the opponent, wasting no time finding the back of the net with a strike in the 18th minute.

In the 86th minute, Pelé also played a huge role in Brazil's second goal, flicking the ball on to Jairzinho, who delivered a cross for Carlos Alberto to rise and make it 2-0. The game ended in a resounding 4-1 win, with Pelé leaving an indelible ink to his status as an all-time legend.

1986 World Cup: Diego Maradona scored the 'Hand of God' goal

One of the most iconic football events occurred during the 1986 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and England. There are many reasons as to why this match has gone down in history. This is where Diego Maradona scored his famous 'Hand of God' goal, which was a crucial moment in Argentina's eventual World Cup win.

Both teams were eager to end the deadlock, with strong defences preventing either side from taking the lead. Then, in the sixth minute of the second half, Argentina's great Diego Maradona contested the ball with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Maradona, with his fist close to his head, managed to touch the ball first and headed it into the goal.

At this point, England's goal was to hunt Maradona down and claim the win. However, just four minutes after the first goal, Maradona found the back of the net again with his lightning pace, scoring what was later hailed as one of the greatest goals of all time. After the game, when reporters asked Maradona about his first goal, he simply said, 'a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God'.

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1997 Tournoi de France: Roberto Carlos’ impossible ‘Banana’ free kick

In the 1997 Tournoi de France’s opening game, Roberto Carlos cemented his place in history by executing one of the most iconic football moments. Awarded a free kick from 40 yards out, Carlos defied the laws of physics and bent the ball into the back of the net against France. This goal showed that the seemingly impossible can become possible through sheer skill and daring.

At first, goalkeeper Fabien Barthez thought the shot was going well wide of the goalpost and heading toward the crowd. However, the ball swerved in midair, curving like a banana, and found the back of the net. Until today, this renowned 'banana' free kick continues to be discussed and studied by physics enthusiasts.

Professor Luis Fernando of the University of Sao Paulo was one of the figures who tried to explain the physics behind this goal. In the end, he concluded that it was simply a miracle. Roberto Carlos himself has continued to be asked about the goal to this day, and he admits, 'To be honest, until this day I don't know how I did that’.

2005 La Liga: Lionel Messi’s first Barca goal

On May 1, 2005, Lionel Messi was introduced to the world in a moment that marked the beginning of his legendary career. At just 17 years old, Messi made his league debut for Barcelona in the 2005 La Liga season in a match against Albacete, becoming the youngest goal-scorer ever in the club’s history with his first goal.

In the 87th minute of the match, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard decided to replace Samuel Eto'o with the young Lionel Messi. Just two minutes later, Ronaldinho provided Messi with a great pass, and the young player was able to hit the ball straight into the goal. However, the goal was ruled to be offside.

Though the first goal was denied, a true legend can never be truly denied. In the 91st minute, the Brazilian player delivered a superb pass to Messi once more. Messi controlled the ball with a deft touch and side-footed it over the goalkeeper Raul Valbuena and into the back of the net. This was the first of many goals to come. Nearly 19 years later, that young player would be hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

2005 Champions League: The miracle of Istanbul

Liverpool were overjoyed on the night of the 2005 Champions League final after defeating the heavily favoured AC Milan. Many consider it one of the greatest comebacks in a European Cup final, or even the greatest comeback in the sports world.

While Liverpool has won the European Cup a few times, proving their firepower, the 2005 Champions League final was a night when they seemed the most unlucky. AC Milan had taken control of the game in the first half, racing out to a 3-0 lead, which appeared to leave no hope for The Reds. 

However, Liverpool refused to let the expected outcome happen and turned the event upside down. In a great comeback, Liverpool scored three goals in just six minutes in the second half to equalise and send the match to extra time. In the end, Liverpool was able to win 3-2 on penalties and mark one of the major events in football history.

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2007 Champions League: Kaká dropped knees and prayed after AC Milan won

The rivalry between AC Milan and Liverpool has continued for years. While Liverpool won in the 2005 UCL final, fate favoured AC Milan in the 2007 final, allowing them to exact a measure of revenge after the famous 'Miracle of Istanbul'. On that beautiful night for the Italians, Kaka, who had scored 10 goals throughout the season, knelt and prayed on the pitch.

Kaka is considered one of the world's most successful Brazilian football players. He is a former FIFA World Player of the Year and UEFA Champions League scoring champion. Besides his football prowess, Kaka is also known for his deep spiritual devotion. This was on display during the 2007 UCL final, as he celebrated the big revenge win.

As Kaka knelt, his hands raised and eyes closed in prayer, he proudly displayed a slogan on his jersey that read 'I belong to Jesus'. Through this gesture, Kaka was thanking the almighty for the victory. In an interview, Kaka expressed his belief that faith decides whether something will happen or not. This moment would then be cemented as a testament to his unwavering faith.

2010 World Cup: Andres Iniesta paid tribute to deceased team captain, Dani Jarque

In the 2010 World Cup final, Andres Iniesta delivered an emotional message after scoring the only match-winning goal for Spain against the Netherlands (1-0), helping Spain clinch their first-ever World Cup championship.

After scoring the goal, Iniesta removed his jersey to reveal a tribute message underneath. The shirt read 'Dani Jarque: siempre con nosotros' which translates to 'Dani Jarque: always with us'. his was a poignant tribute to Iniesta's former teammate and team captain Dani Jarque, who had passed away at the age of 26 during a preseason tour in Italy the previous year.

Iniesta stated that he wanted to carry Dani with him at that moment. Even though he received a yellow card for the act, he remained firm in his desire to honour his late friend and teammate. It was the result of years of hard work, and the win was worth celebrating with a player who had also devoted so much to the team's excellence, even though Jarque was no longer present, and was watching from heaven.

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