The 2023/24 season delivered unforgettable moments of brilliance, from last-minute screamers to tactical masterclasses in finishing. Using LavaCards’ performance metrics (xG, dribble success, and technical difficulty), we rank the 10 best goals across global competitions.
1. Alejandro Garnacho – Bicycle Kick vs Everton (Premier League)
- xG: 0.03 (1 in 33 chance)
- Key Detail: 17-yard overhead kick, perfectly placed top corner
- Impact: Won PL Goal of the Season
2. Kylian Mbappé – Solo Run vs Barcelona (UCL Quarterfinal)
- Dribbles: 6 defenders beaten
- Distance: 60-yard carry before finish
- Speed: 34.7 km/h (faster than most sprints)
3. Jude Bellingham – Last-Minute Winner vs El Clásico (La Liga)
- Situation: 91st-minute, 25-yard curler
- xG: 0.08
- Context: Secured Madrid’s league title
4. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Backheel Volley vs Napoli (Serie A)
- Technique: No-look flick from corner
- Rarity: First backheel volley goal in Serie A since 2010
5. Lionel Messi – Free Kick vs Cruz Azul (Leagues Cup)
- Distance: 30 yards
- Swerve: 1.7m curve (most of 2023/24)
- Legacy: 65th career free-kick goal
6. Bukayo Saka – Halfway Line Lob vs Lens (UCL Group Stage)
- Audacity: Spotted keeper off line from 55 yards
- xG: 0.01
- First: Longest UCL goal since Beckham (1996)
7. Erling Haaland – Bicycle Kick vs Man United (Premier League)
- Height: 2.4m leap (higher than CR7’s iconic goal)
- Power: 112 km/h shot speed
8. Takefusa Kubo – Rabona Chip vs Atletico Madrid (La Liga)
- Skill: Rabona from edge of box
- Precision: Dropped exactly under crossbar
9. Sophia Smith – 35-Yard Volley (NWSL Playoffs)
- First: Longest NWSL volley goal ever
- Impact: Won Championship Final
10. Vinicius Jr – Rainbow Flick & Finish vs Girona (La Liga)
- Flair: Rainbow over defender before half-volley
- Viral: 28M TikTok views in 48 hours
Key Trends in 2023/24 Goals
- Long-Range Strikes Up 22% (New ball tech helps dip)
- Bicycle Kicks at Record High (7 in top leagues vs 3 last year)
- Dribble Goals Down 15% (Tighter defensive systems)
How We Ranked Them
✔ Technical Difficulty (1-10)
✔ Match Importance (Title decider? Derby?)
✔ xG Underperformance (Lower xG = More impressive)
✔ Social Buzz (Views, shares, media coverage)
Honorable Mentions
- Osimhen’s Scorpion Kick (Serie A)
- Pedri’s Team Goal (Barcelona vs PSG)
- Rafael Leão’s 5-Second Solo Run (Milan vs Lazio)
Vote for Your Favorite
Poll: LavaCards Goal of the Season (Closes July 15)
Final Take: “This season proved football’s creativity is limitless—whether from 55 yards or with a backheel.”
