Top 10 greatest football matches of all time

The sport of football has witnessed numerous legends throughout its history. These athletes have not only shaped and transformed the game but have also achieved a level of fame that is unprecedented. Icons such as Pele, Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have emerged from this beautiful game, contributing to some of the most remarkable moments in sports. Whether in international competitions or club tournaments, the consistent element has been the exceptional entertainment delivered by teams and their players.

Some games are so beautiful that they become a case study and some provide the utmost amount of thrill to the fans for many years and go down their memory lanes.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top 10 greatest football matches of all time.

10. Argentina 3(4)-3(2) France (FIFA World Cup 2022 Final)

This match stands out as one of the finest in football history and is arguably the most exhilarating World Cup final to date. The global audience rallied behind Argentina, as there was a collective desire for the footballing genius Lionel Messi to secure the title he had long sought. There was, however, a singular challenge, which was Kylian Mbappe, the young talent often regarded as the successor to Messi. The match commenced with Argentina exhibiting clear dominance, as they outperformed France both in terms of score and strategy.

They initially held a two-goal advantage over the European team. However, in the final fifteen minutes of the match, the situation shifted dramatically, and France equalized with two goals from Mbappe. During extra time, Argentina regained the lead with a goal from Messi. But soon at the end of the Extra time, Mbappe converted a penalty which sent the match to penalties.  Argentina emerged victorious in the shootout, thanks to Martinez's exceptional goalkeeping, and Messi ultimately lifted the Golden Trophy.

9. France 1(3)-1(5) Italy (FIFA World Cup 2006 Final)

This match will be etched in the memories of all Zidane admirers. The World Cup held in Germany marked the final appearance of the French legend Zidane. Having previously secured the World Cup title in 1998 on home ground, he made the decision to come out of retirement to represent his national team one final time in this tournament. Zidane guided his team to yet another World Cup, and supporters anticipated a spectacular farewell for the esteemed French international. 

The match saw both sides score a goal each including a famous Panenka penalty by Zidane. However, the incident that overshadowed the game was Zidane's infamous headbutt on Italian player Marco Materazzi in the 110th minute, which led to his expulsion from the match. This headbutt has since become one of the defining moments of Zidane's career. France ultimately lost the final in a penalty shootout, leaving fans deprived of the anticipated farewell.

8. Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (Champions League 98-99 Final)

This season marked a historic achievement for Manchester United. Under the management of Alex Ferguson, the club successfully secured a treble. In the final of the Champions League, they faced the formidable German team, Bayern Munich. The first goal of the match was netted by Bayern within a mere six minutes. 

They were ahead in the game for the rest of the time and it seemed that their victory was inevitable but then came stoppage time. Manchester United finally managed to score in the 90 '+1. They not only equalled the score but also managed to score another goal, thanks to Ole Gunnar Solskjær who scored a goal in the 90 '+4 to make their club European Champions.

7. Germany 3-4 Italy (FIFA World Cup 1970 Semi-Final)

The match was so thrilling that it was termed as the ‘Game of the Century’. The World Cup took place in Mexico, specifically at the Aztec Stadium, where two prominent European teams were pitted against one another. Both Italy and Germany were eager to secure their spot in the final. As the match commenced, Italy gained an early lead with Boninsegna scoring in the 8th minute. 

The contest appeared to be a triumph for Italy as they approached the final whistle with a one-goal advantage. However, in the final moments, Germany succeeded in leveling the score, resulting in the match proceeding to extra time. During extra time, the match became more engaging as both Italy and Germany added two more goals, bringing their respective totals to three goals each. In the 111th minute, Italy regained the lead, raising their score to four and concluding the match with a final score of 4-3. However, they ultimately fell to Brazil, led by Pelé, in the final.

6. Liverpool 4-0 FC Barcelona (Champions League 2018-19 semi-final 2nd Leg)

One of the most challenging moments for any supporter of Barcelona occurred during the 2018-19 Champions League season. At that time, Messi was at the peak of his abilities, delivering an extraordinary performance that dominated the tournament. He played a pivotal role in propelling the club to the semi-finals, where they encountered the English team Liverpool, who had finished as the runners-up in the preceding Champions League season.

Observing Messi's exceptional form, all attention turned to La Pulga and Barcelona. As anticipated, Barcelona dominated Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final at Camp Nou, securing a 3-0 victory. Among the goals was a remarkable free kick by Messi, widely regarded as one of the best in his career.

It was widely believed that Messi and Barcelona would advance beyond Liverpool to reach the final and secure the prestigious trophy that Messi had vowed to bring home. However, contrary to these expectations, Liverpool staged a remarkable comeback in the second leg at Anfield. They netted four goals without conceding any, altering the aggregate score to 4-3 and securing their place in the Champions League final. Ultimately, they triumphed in the tournament, overcoming their English adversary, Tottenham Hotspur.

5. FC Barcelona 6-1 Paris St. Germain (Champions League 2016-17 Round of 16)

Recognized as 'La Remontada' or 'The Comeback', this event is regarded as the most significant comeback in the history of Champions League football. It took place during the second leg of the Round of 16 in the 2016/17 Champions League season. In the first leg, FC Barcelona experienced a devastating 4-0 loss against the French powerhouse Paris St. Germain at their home venue, Parc des Princes.

The match showcased a masterful performance by Angel Di Maria, who netted two goals. FC Barcelona entered the second leg facing a significant challenge, as they had no away goals and were trailing by four goals. The situation appeared daunting and nearly insurmountable. Nevertheless, every player from Barcelona exhibited a high level of motivation from the outset of the match.

Barcelona put forth a formidable challenge against Paris Saint-Germain, ultimately securing victory through the contributions of Messi and Neymar. Messi successfully converted a penalty, while Neymar scored two goals. The aggregate score concluded with Barcelona triumphing over PSG by 6-5. Notably, three of Barcelona's goals were scored in the closing moments of the match, including two during stoppage time. The decisive goal was scored in the 90+5 minute, igniting a fervent celebration at Camp Nou.

4. Manchester City 3-2 Queens Park Rangers (Premier League 2011-12)

The iconic exclamation of ‘Agueroooooo’ by the football commentator is etched in the memory of all. This match is remarkable for every City fan. The 2011-12 Premier League season was an exhilarating period for the residents of Manchester, as both teams fiercely competed for the coveted Premier League title.

Manchester United and Manchester City were engaged in a competitive rivalry, continually challenging one another and exploring their respective boundaries. Ultimately, the outcome hinged on the last day of the season. On that decisive day, Manchester City was set to compete against Queens Park Rangers, with a victory guaranteeing them the championship based on goal difference.

As the match approached its conclusion, Manchester City found themselves behind by a single goal, with the score standing at 2-1 against them. However, the situation dramatically shifted during stoppage time. Dzeko netted an equalizer, bringing the score to 2-2, and the title was now within reach with one final goal needed. In a twist of fate, Aguero delivered a remarkable strike in the 90+4 minute, securing both the lead and the championship for his team.

After the final whistle, throngs of supporters rushed onto the field to celebrate with their team. Manchester City ended the season tied on points with Manchester United but secured the top position due to a superior goal difference. This victory marked their first championship since the 1967-68 season.

3. Liverpool 3(3)-3(2) AC Milan (Champions League final 2004-05)

One of the most remarkable Champions League finals occurred when Liverpool was declared the European Champions, although their triumph was far from straightforward. AC Milan, entering the match in excellent form, demonstrated their prowess by scoring three goals in the first half against the English team. The Liverpool supporters were left in shock at the state of their team. However, the dynamics of the match shifted dramatically in the second half.

Liverpool made a remarkable comeback, leveling the score by scoring three goals within a span of six minutes. Both teams challenged each other fiercely, leading the match to proceed to a penalty shootout following extra time. Ultimately, Liverpool emerged victorious in the shootout, securing their fifth title as European Champions.

2. Brazil 1-7 Germany (FIFA World Cup 2014 semi-final)

The 2014 FIFA World Cup took place in Brazil, making the host nation the frontrunners for the tournament. Their aspirations were bolstered by the contributions of their team and the exceptional performance of star player Neymar. Brazil advanced confidently to the semi-finals; however, their hopes were dashed when Neymar sustained an injury during the quarter-finals against Colombia, leading to his exclusion from the tournament.

The Brazilian national team, following Neymar's injury, lost the primary catalyst of their squad. This problem became evident during their semifinal match against Germany, where they suffered a humiliating defeat, conceding seven goals. In stark contrast, Brazil could only manage to net a single goal against their European opponents. The disappointment was palpable among Brazilian supporters, who were left in tears as their aspirations were dashed.

1. FC Barcelona 6-2 Real Madrid (LaLiga 2008-09)

The biggest sports rivalry in the realm of football is undoubtedly El Clasico, which consistently provides an exhilarating viewing experience due to the intense atmosphere surrounding the match. The contest transcends mere points, focusing instead on pride, as supporters from both sides find it intolerable to face defeat. As with any other Classico, this encounter was marked by high tension. With Pep having been appointed as the new manager, the stakes were particularly elevated for his inaugural Classico.

Both teams featured an array of star athletes. On one side, there were Ramos, Raul, Robben, Casillas, Marcelo, and Higuain, while the opposing side boasted Messi, Xavi, Eto, Iniesta, and Henry, among others. It was an ideal matchup. As the game commenced, both teams endeavored to establish their superiority.

The first goal of the match was scored by Real Madrid in the 14th minute, but it was quickly matched by a goal from Henry. Following this, the Catalan team exhibited a commanding performance throughout the game, effectively outclassing Real Madrid. With contributions from Messi and Henry, who each scored twice, Barcelona amassed a total of six goals, while Madrid could only respond with two. Pep's tactical decision to position Messi as a false nine unsettled the Real Madrid defense.

As the football commentator mentioned, Barcelona were so dominant that even Pique was on the score sheet. This resulted in a utter humiliation for Los Blancos. Pep demonstrated his capabilities, and the added achievement of accomplishing this at Santiago Bernabeu, the home stadium of Real Madrid, made it even more remarkable.

 Cover Credits - Goal.com