🔝 The five best goals of 2021 | OneFootball

2021 was the year we finally got some form of normality back into football with crowds returning and the European Championships finally taking place.

There were also some incredible goals, and here are what we believe were the five best of the last year.

5. Andreas Christensen (Russia 1-4 Denmark, 21 June)

Denmark’s journey to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 was one of the remarkable stories of the year.

The shocking collapse of Christian Eriksen during the defeat to Finland on matchday one stunned the players, fans and the watching world.

The Danes rallied and overcame the horrific circumstances surrounding their teammate to progress to the next stage with a win over Russia in the final game.

Christensen’s goal was the one that sealed it.

A pile-driver from a centre-half to send Parken into a wave of joy as emotion poured down from the stands and on to the pitch. What a hit.

4. Erik Lamela (Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham, 14 March)

A rabona goal in a Premier League match to give his team the lead in a north London derby?

This had to make it in.

Genius from Erik Lamela.

3. Caroline Weir (Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United, 12 February)

We’re not sure what is the best part of this is.

The chip over Mary Earps who was only off her line by a yard was sublime and the ‘audacity to try it’ scale is off the charts. But there’s also the touch and turn from Weird to trap the ball and take it away from her marker which is delightful.

Either way, a deserved nominee for the Puskás Award.

2. Lionel Messi (Barcelona 4-0 Athletic Club, 17 April)

Who knew 2021 would be the year Lionel Messi would actually leave Barcelona.

He left Barcelona a parting gift by helping the club win the Copa del Rey in April, the last of the 34 trophies he won at the Camp Nou.

He played a huge part in the 4-0 final win as well, scoring twice as Ronald Koeman’s side eased past Athletic Club, including this moment of individual magic.

Messi just loves scoring individual belters against Athletic Club.

1. Patrik Schick (Czech Republic 2-0 Scotland, June 14)

Sorry Scotland fans but this had to be our number one.

The Czech Republic striker saw his opportunity when the ball rolled out to him 51 yards out from David Marshall’s goal.

That distance wasn’t enough to put him off and the 25-year-old improvised to perfection.

It looks so much sweeter because it’s come from his left foot, doesn’t it?

A deserved winner.