A few weeks back, we posted about the best ways to score a goal in soccer. Obviously on that list was the legendary bicycle kick - or, in other cultures, known as a “gol de chilena” or simply “chilena.” In the Uruguayan Primera Division, Ivan Alonso executed one of the better chilena’s that we have seen. Take a look below:
So it got us thinking, what are some of the best bicycle kicks of all time? Below are some of The18’s favorites:
Mauro Bressan Fiorentina
Another long distance chilena comes from another Champions League affair. Mauro Bressen, a midfielder who was arrested in 2011 for match fixing supplied us with this snipe of a bicycle kick against Barcelona back in 1999. While watching the video, you wouldn’t even expect Bressan to attempt the shot, but our guess is some bettors had Fiorentina scoring first against the Spanish giants, hence his ballsy attempt from 30 out.
Trevor Sinclair Queens Park Rangers
Very similar to Ivan Alonso’s effort above, Trevor Sinclair attempts a chilena with the ball coming from an angle that only increases the shots difficulty. During an FA Cup match vs Barnsley, a swooping cross comes at the 18 where Sinclair audaciously attempts the bicycle kick. What happened next was magic.
Philippe Mexes AC Milan
The French international centre back is the only defender that will be on this list, but his bike is right up there with our favorites of all time. In a Champions League affair versus Anderlecht, Mexes received a set piece that he then served up before hitting a complete rainbow over Belgian keeper, Silvio Proto’s head. The goal came exactly one week after Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s epic chilena.
Marco van Basten Ajax
The great van Basten is known for his unreal volley from a tight angle in the 1988 European final, but this overhead kick is just as impressive. With the ball coming towards him, van Basten situates his body perfectly before placing the ball perfectly in the opposite corner.
Ronaldinho Barcelona
The Brazilian is one of the most creative and skillful players of his time and this chilena shows why. Gaucho serves himself with his chest and then somehow turns his body 180 degrees before miraculously blasting a right footed shot past the keeper. World Class.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sweden
Sure it was a friendly, but if Zlatan were to have a bicycle kick, it would be in this fashion. A poor clearance punch by Joe Hart led to Zlatan being Zlatan. His improvisation ended in a golazo from 25-30 yards out and the hearts of even more Zlatan fans.
Honorable Mentions:
