Nothing reinforces the lure of football like a memorable moment. Perhaps a match-winning goal is scored in the final seconds. Maybe surprise underdogs shake the world with a historic victory over an elite team. Sometimes, a little cheating goes a long way. There are many small moments throughout the history of football that encapsulate the beauty and the general ups and downs of the sport. No othesportsrt can quite make its fans feel such a variety of emotions in such a small amount of time.
Football isn't just a physical sport and can be quite emotional at times. As a result, it has yielded some of the greatest moments for both fans and players in sporting history - many of which have thankfully been captured on camera for the world to see.
Honorable Mentions.
. Gordon Banks' 'Save Of The Century' From Pele
. Pele's last World Cup
. Roberto Carlos 'Banana' kick
. Alex Ferguson Hugs Ronaldo after EuroCup 2016
10. Messi Scores His First Goal for Barcelona.
Messi's journey towards greatness commenced on the back of a goal from the then-rising star, as he celebrated by hopping on teammate Ronaldinho's back. This moment is largely seen as the passing of the torch from one great to another.
9. Iniesta Dedicates The World Cup to Dani Jarque.
No image speaks louder on Spain's 2010 World Cup victory than this one, where Iniesta paid tribute to his deceased team captain, Dani Jarque. Jarque passed away from a heart attack at age 26, one month after he was named the captain of the World Cup squad.
8. Robin Van Persie becomes The Flying Dutchman.
The Netherlands hammered the Golden era of Spanish Football players, on the wings of Van Persie's impossible goal as he flew mid-air to net the ball. This magnificent feat had him dubbed 'The Flying Dutchman'.
7. Zidane Headbutts Marco Materazzi
This one was built for heartaches, Zizou's last World Cup appearance when he had a real shot at taking France all the way, abruptly ended with this legendary incident. France never recovered from Zizou's loss and Italy won the 2006 Cup.
6. Colombian Keeper Rene Higuita's 'Scorpion Save'
The original sweeper-keeper, Rene Higuita of the Colombian national side was known for his flair for theatrics. But, none more so than this scorpion save in Columbia's friendly against England.
5. Paolo Di Canio Pushes The Referee
Paolo Di Canio was known for his temper tantrums and this wasn't the first time he was cautioned for his controversial behaviour. Being shown a red card, Canio proceeded to push the referee earning him an 11-match ban and a 10,000-pound fine.
4. Ronaldinho Invited to Barcelona Team Photo
In a display of friendship and camaraderie, Ronaldinho was invited to pose with Barca players one last time, before Barca faced off against rivals and Ronaldinho's new team, Ac Milan.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Bicycle Kick against England
Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic showcased his superlative skills with this bicycle volley which stunned the English goalie.
2. Pele Greets Ronaldo After Brazil's 2002 World Cup Win
Brazil's most successful player ever, Pele, hugs Brazil's most successful player of the 2000s, Ronaldo, after Brazil's 2-0 victory over Germany in the World Cup Final. Both goals were scored by Ronaldo himself.
1.Diego Maradona's 'Hand of 'God' Goal
Maradona's legendary hand-ball goal in the 1986 World Cup Final against England is widely considered more than just a goal
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