Champions League 2025 – 5 Unforgettable Goals That Defined a Generation

Relive 5 of the most iconic Champions League goals, from Ronaldo’s bicycle kick to Messi’s magic vs Bayern, that lit up European football.

Over the last decade, the UEFA Champions League has gifted us moments of pure magic – goals that stunned fans, broke rivals’ spirits, and reshaped football history. Here are five unforgettable strikes that continue to live rent-free in our minds.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Bicycle Kick vs Juventus (2017/18)

Match: Juventus 0–3 Real Madrid | Quarter-final (1st leg), April 3, 2018

Ronaldo’s acrobatic overhead kick remains the gold standard for spectacular Champions League goals. Latching onto Dani Carvajal’s lofted cross, CR7 soared into the air and connected cleanly, leaving Gianluigi Buffon helpless. Even the Juventus faithful stood to applaud.

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Mario Mandžukić – Overhead Volley vs Real Madrid (2016/17 Final)

Match: Juventus 1–4 Real Madrid | Final, June 3, 2017

In a final dominated by Madrid, it was Mandžukić who scored the most technically beautiful goal. After a silky six-touch team move, he chested the ball and delivered an instinctive bicycle volley into the top corner. A stunning moment made even more special by the stakes.

Lionel Messi – Dribble and Chip vs Bayern Munich (2014/15)

Match: Barcelona 3–0 Bayern Munich | Semi-final (1st leg), May 6, 2015

Messi at his devastating best. A quick body swerve left Jérôme Boateng stumbling to the ground before Messi gently chipped over Neuer with his weaker foot. That clip went viral instantly and reminded the world why Messi is Messi.

Mehdi Taremi – Scissor Kick vs Chelsea (2020/21)

Match: Chelsea 0–1 Porto | Quarter-final (2nd leg), April 13, 2021

Though Porto exited the competition, Taremi’s stunning scissor-kick from the edge of the box was the talk of the night. The sheer athleticism and execution earned him UEFA’s Goal of the Season – and admiration from fans worldwide.

Rodri – Long-Range Curler vs Bayern Munich (2022/23)

Match: Manchester City 3–0 Bayern Munich | Quarter-final (1st leg), April 11, 2023

Rodri’s left-footed rocket bent around two defenders and into the top corner, setting the tone for City’s dominant campaign. It wasn’t just a beauty – it was the spark that ignited their run to lifting the trophy.

Why These Goals Still Matter

• Technical brilliance: From bicycle kicks to long-range curlers, each goal showed elite skill.
  
• High-stakes moments: Finals, semi-finals, and knockout pressure made them more memorable.
  
• Global impact: These goals trended worldwide, replayed by millions, and praised by football greats.
  

Each of these moments lives on as part of Champions League folklore – goals that didn’t just win matches but defined entire seasons.

Want to witness history in the making at Champions League 2025/26?

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