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Ranking the 10 Best Legendary Goals in Premier League History

Premier League best goals
Pulse Sports reminisces about some of the finest solo efforts, scorching strikes and truly brilliant artistic goals since the Premier League’s inception in 1992.
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Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has consistently delivered moments of unparalleled footballing brilliance. 

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From audacious long-range efforts to breathtaking individual artistry, goals have defined eras, and many will live on in memory. 

In this article, Pulse Sports counts down the 10 most iconic goals that have graced England's top flight between 1992-93 and 2024-25. 

Ranking the 10 Best Legendary Goals in Premier League History

10. Mohamed Salah vs Manchester City (October 3, 2021)

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Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah scored a brilliant solo effort for Liverpool against Manchester City (Credit: Imago)

Mohamed Salah's spectacular goal for Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield on October 3, 2021, stands as a testament to individual brilliance in the modern era. 

The Egyptian winger embarked on a sensational solo run, weaving past multiple City defenders with incredible close control and strength, before unleashing a powerful shot that found the back of the net. 

Salah’s strike was not only aesthetically pleasing but also received significant official acclaim, being recognised as the BBC Goal of the Season for the 2021-22 campaign. 

9. Alan Shearer vs Everton (December 1, 2002)

Alan Shearer's thunderous volley for Newcastle United against Everton on December 1, 2002, epitomises the raw power and precision that defined his illustrious career. 

Positioned outside the box, Shearer struck the ball with such force and accuracy that it flew into the top corner, leaving the Everton goalkeeper helpless. 

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8. David Beckham vs Wimbledon (August 17, 1996)

David Beckham
David Beckham celebrates scoring for Manchester United in 1996 (Credit: Imago)

David Beckham's audacious strike for Manchester United against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park on August 17, 1996, was a moment of pure genius that transcended the football pitch. 

From his own half, Beckham spotted the goalkeeper off his line and unleashed an incredible long-range effort that sailed into the net. 

That goal in August 1996 effectively marked Beckham's arrival as a global superstar and served as his first truly iconic moment in the Premier League.

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7. Robin van Persie vs Aston Villa (April 22, 2013)

Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie in action for Manchester United in 2013 (Credit: Imago)

Robin van Persie's stunning volley for Manchester United against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 22, 2013, was a moment of both exquisite technique and profound consequence. 

Latching onto a long pass from Wayne Rooney, Van Persie struck a first-time volley that soared into the net with breathtaking precision. 

The strike helped to clinch Manchester United's 20th Premier League title and was also voted the Premier League Goal of the Season.

6. Papiss Cisse vs Chelsea (May 2, 2012)

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Papiss Cisse
Papiss Cisse celebrates scoring for Newcastle United against Chelsea in 2012 (Credit: Imago)

Papiss Cisse’s extraordinary goal for Newcastle United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 2, 2012, remains one of the Premier League's most unique and unforgettable strikes. 

From an improbable 37 yards out, Cisse curled the ball with the outside of his right foot, sending it on an incredible looping trajectory that sailed over goalkeeper Petr Cech and into the far corner. 

Cisse described the goal as the best of his career. 

5. Tony Yeboah vs Wimbledon (September 23, 1995)

Tony Yeboah's thunderous volley for Leeds United against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park on September 23, 1995, perfectly encapsulated his explosive finishing ability. 

After controlling a loose ball, Yeboah dribbled past two defenders before unleashing a powerful strike that rocketed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net. 

Although his stint in English football was brief — Yeboah arrived in January 1995 and left in September 1997 — his scorcher in South London was one of his memorable Premier League moments. 

The Ghanaian’s strike was recognised as the BBC Goal of the Season. 

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4. Paolo Di Canio vs Wimbledon (March 26, 2000)

Paolo Di Canio's astonishing scissor-kick volley for West Ham United against Wimbledon at Upton Park on March 26, 2000, is a prime example of artistic expression on the football pitch. 

Meeting Trevor Sinclair's cross with perfectly timed athleticism, Di Canio's acrobatic finish stunned everyone watching. 

Often described as "Kung fu-like," the Italian’s truly unique and audacious strike showcased incredible flair and unconventional brilliance. 

3. Thierry Henry vs Manchester United (October 1, 2000)

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Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry celebrates scoring for Arsenal (Credit: Imago)

Thierry Henry's audacious strike for Arsenal against Manchester United at Highbury on October 1, 2000, is widely regarded as a signature goal from one of the Premier League's greatest ever strikers. 

With his back to goal, Henry flicked the ball up to himself, swivelled in one fluid motion and unleashed a stunning volley from outside the box that flew over Fabian Barthez.

2. Dennis Bergkamp vs Newcastle United (March 2, 2002)

Dennis Bergkamp's truly magical goal for Arsenal against Newcastle United at St James' Park on March 2, 2002, is a masterpiece of ingenuity and execution. 

Receiving a pass, Bergkamp used his first touch to flick the ball around the defender Nikos Dabizas, spun in the opposite direction and then calmly slotted it past the goalkeeper. 

The Dutchman’s goal was officially declared the best in the first 20 seasons of the Premier League, a testament to its unparalleled innovation and the fact that no one has yet repeated such a sequence.

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1. Wayne Rooney vs Manchester City (February 12, 2011)

Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney scored his iconic overhead kick for Manchester United in the derby (Credit: Imago)

Wayne Rooney's unforgettable overhead kick for Manchester United against Manchester City at Old Trafford on February 12, 2011, is widely regarded as the greatest Premier League goal of all time. 

With the Manchester derby tied at 1-1, Rooney met Nani's deflected cross with a perfectly executed bicycle kick, sending the ball flying into the top corner. 

That goal achieved ultimate legendary status due to its aesthetic brilliance, the high stakes of a crucial derby match, and Rooney's iconic status as a Manchester United legend. 

Unsurprisingly, the goal was also deservedly voted the BBC Goal of the Season. 

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