Messi, Mane, Suarez, Russo: The 20 most ‘humiliating’ goals in football history

Alessia Russo’s sublime goal for England against Sweden was audacious to say the least.

Russo has developed a reputation as a world-class super-sub at Euro 2022, and she proved so once again as England romped to a 4-0 victory at Bramall Lane –– securing their spot in the final.

The Manchester United striker replaced Ellen White in the second half and scored her fourth goal of the competition, courtesy of a cheeky backheel, that not only caught the defender unaware but went through the legs of the despairing Hedvig Lindahl in goal.

Russo’s stunning effort prompted one user on Twitter to ask which is the ‘most disrespectful’ goal in football history.

With that in mind, we’ve scanned the archives and found 20 ‘humiliating’ goals that are well worth another look.

Some of these goals range from ridiculous to outright ruthless, but we’ll let you be the judge of which is your favourite.

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Thierry Henry vs Charlton

In honour of Russo’s goal, we’re kicking things off with Henry’s stunning backheel finish against Charlton in 2004.

This was another to add to his portfolio of astonishing strikes and one that keeper Dean Kiely would rather forget.

Arjen Robben vs Spain

There’s one thing leaving Sergio Ramos for dead, but humiliating the entire Spanish defence is an entirely different story.

That’s exactly what Arjen Robben did in 2014 as he stunned the world champions at the time and left Iker Casillas on his backside.

Lauren Hemp vs Latvia

While this can hardly be considered a world-class finish by Hemp, it certainly classes under the topic of ‘humiliation.’

The Lionesses’ 20-0 win vs Latvia last year remains England’s biggest win ever and Hemp’s goal was the final nail in Latvia’s coffin.

Lionel Messi vs Arsenal

In truth, this list could be filled entirely with Messi goals, but his deft chip and volley past Manuel Almunia in 2011, sticks out in our mind.

It was the second year in a row that Messi almost single-handedly embarrassed Arsenal, having scored four in one game the season before.

Mario Balotelli vs Norwich

Who could ever forget Balotelli’s nonchalant finish with his shoulder vs Norwich?

While this trick-shot did come off, the less said about some of the Italian’s other attempts, the better.

Sadio Mane vs Watford

Chipping the keeper with a back-heel, while facing away from the goal. Mane’s fine finish vs Watford in 2019 speaks for itself.

For any Liverpool fans still reeling over his departure, we’re sorry.

Sam Kerr vs Arsenal

Last season, Kerr scored enough wonder goals to make an entire compilation, but her second goal against Arsenal in the 2021 FA Cup final was just flat-out disrespectful.

Kerr saw Manuela Zinsberger off her line and executed an inch-perfect lob.

There’s a reason why the Australian is regarded as one of the world’s best.

Eric Cantona vs Sunderland

We’ll be honest, it’s the reaction that makes this goal so special.

Cantona’s chip is fantastic in itself, but his imperious celebration is even better.

Mesut Ozil vs Ludogorets

It’s fair to say Ozil’s time in North London was mixed and that’s putting it kindly.

His goal against Ludogorets, however, will live long in the memory. This is one you can watch over and over again.

Luis Suarez vs Celta Vigo

Arsenal tried and failed to pull this off once upon a time, but Barcelona managed it expertly.

Messi passing his penalty kick straight to Suarez to slot home is about as humiliating as it gets, especially when you consider the Catalonian side won 6-1 on the night.

Megan Rapinoe vs Australia

We’ve all tried to score from a corner as a kid, but very few have ever pulled it off.

Rapinoe managed to do just that against Australia last year, during the USA’s third-place play-off in the Olympics.

Did she mean it? We’re not sure. Did she claim to mean it? Most certainly.

Erik Lamela vs Arsenal

Lamela was never prolific during his time at Spurs but he can safely be classed as the king of the rabona.

Having scored one against Asteras in front of a half-empty White Hart Lane, Lamela repeated the feat in the North London derby in 2021.

Spurs still lost though…

Vivianne Miedema vs Everton

Miedema scored a remarkable 39 goals during the 2019 season and at times she made the game look far too easy.

Her effortless chip against Everton was so casual, that it’s hard to believe it came during a crucial WSL match.

Paul-Georges Ntep vs Reims

The only way this can be described as pure sh**housery.

Getting down on all fours and heading the ball is seen during a kick-about with mates, not in a professional match.

Caroline Weir vs Man United

Weir has a habit of scoring wonder goals against United and her sumptuous chip in 2021 was even nominated for the Puskas award.

Somehow, the Scot managed to pull off a near-identical lob against the Red Devils last season.

Which one is better? You be the judge of that.

Ronaldinho vs Osasuna

Did you really think we’d forgotten about Ronaldinho?

Feast your eyes on this classic, where the Brazilian starts doing keepy-ups before scoring a scissor kick.

Marta vs the USA

While we’re on the topic of skillful Brazilians, Marta’s memorable goal against the USA in 2007 deserves to be watched on repeat.

How she managed to pull off that first turn, we’ll never know.

Jonathan Calleri vs Quilmes

Another Rabona goal and perhaps the best on this list. Calleri’s unbelievable effort attracted the attention of many European teams and West Ham came calling.

Unfortunately, the Argentine striker scored just one goal for the Hammers and failed to show the same prowess in the Premier League.

Alisson vs West Brom

We all love a keeper coming up for a corner but watching them actually score is one of the best things ever.

That is unless it’s against your own team. Unfortunately, West Brom fans will forever be reminded of the time Alisson lept like Cristiano Ronaldo to rescue Champions League football for Liverpool.