Such moments often stem from a sense of urgency, where taking a gamble can yield extraordinary outcomes.
It might also arise out of sheer bewilderment—an event destined for the humorous highlights reel.
Goalies scoring is rare, but when it happens, it tends to leave a lasting impression, for better or worse.
Anatoly Trubin’s late header during stoppage time in the match for Benfica against Real Madrid on Wednesday crafted one of the most thrilling moments in Champions League history. Not only did Trubin help his team clinch a 4-2 win over the 15-time European champions, but he also secured their place in the final play-off on goal difference.
“I didn’t quite grasp what was needed,” recalled the Ukrainian goalkeeper. “But I noticed everyone urging me to move up. I could see the manager, so I joined the fray in the box, but honestly, I can’t find the words. It was an unbelievable moment.”
Benfica’s manager, Jose Mourinho, celebrated exuberantly—though he has a storied career filled with accolades, this experience was uncharted territory for him.
Entering stoppage time with a 3-2 lead, the Portuguese club needed a further point to progress to the play-offs.
Mourinho reflected, “I’ve both won and lost at the last minute before. It’s occurred multiple times, but being in a position where we’re ahead yet it’s insufficient is a different challenge.” He emphasized the need for a shift in strategy and the readiness to take risks.
Clearly, that risk paid off, as goalkeepers have a long history of causing chaos in the opponent’s area.
The Great Escape — a legendary moment in British football
(Photo by Adam Davy/EMPICS, Getty Images)
Trubin’s goal may have occurred in the prestigious European tournament, but veteran keeper Jimmy Glass became a cherished figure among Carlisle supporters for his last-minute effort to prevent the then fourth-tier team from being ousted from the English Football League.
In 1999, Glass, while on loan, salvaged Carlisle’s position by volleying the winning goal in stoppage time against Plymouth. This moment has since been dubbed “The Great Escape.”
“I was just giving it a shot,” he recounted. “They never guard the goalkeeper, right?
“I just went for it. I thought I was going to miss, but the distance was pretty good.”
Peter Schmeichel, a legendary Manchester United goalkeeper, scored a header in a 1995 UEFA Cup match against Rotor Volgograd. Demonstrating it was more than just a fluke, he became the first goalie to score in the Premier League in 2001 while playing for Aston Villa. Most recently, Liverpool’s Alisson secured a winner against West Brom in the 2021 Premier League.
Paraguay’s prolific penalty kick keeper
(Photo credit: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP, Getty Images)
Goalkeepers aren’t solely tasked with disrupting plays; they can also contribute in more offensive roles.
Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert stands out as an exceptional player, once netting a hat-trick of penalties against Velez Sarsfield in Argentina.
Chilavert, also known for his prowess in free kicks, scored a total of 67 goals throughout his career—a record recognized by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. He remains the only goalkeeper to ever score a hat-trick and is considered the highest-scoring keeper in international football with eight goals for Paraguay.
However, according to IFFHS, Brazilian Rogério Ceni holds the record for highest goals scored by a goalkeeper overall, with a staggering 129 goals in his career, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.
Rene Higuita of Colombia, famed for his acrobatic “scorpion kick” saves and his daring forays beyond the penalty area, also made a name for himself with free kick and penalty goals.
Strange and Wonderful Moments
(Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Goalkeepers who usually send the ball soaring from goal kicks have occasionally produced some remarkable long-range goals. Occasionally, they require a fortuitous gust of wind or a comical mistake from an opposing player.
Stoke City’s stadium is one of the most blustery venues in English football, which played to Asmir Begovic’s advantage when he scored against Southampton in 2013 in just 13 seconds.
His goal, measured at 91.9 meters, was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest goal ever. However, it required a blunder from Southampton’s Arthur Boruc, who stumbled after the ball bounced toward him.
“It felt amazing, but it was also a lucky break. I feel a bit bad for Boruc,” Begovic shared with the BBC.
In 2007, Paul Robinson of Tottenham similarly outperformed Watford’s goalkeeper Ben Foster with a shot launched from his own half.
Also, this isn’t a new phenomenon; Tottenham’s Pat Jennings scored a goal from his own penalty box against Manchester United back in 1967.
The legendary Bobby Charlton, who participated in that match, later commented, “I thought it might have been illegal since I had never seen it done before, and I immediately turned to the referee.”
Reported by the Associated Press.
Fan Take: This remarkable moment not only highlights the thrill of football but also emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the sport, where even goalkeepers can change the game. Such events ignite passion among fans and remind us of the drama that makes soccer a beloved global phenomenon.
