Records are meant to be broken, and football constantly showcases new feats. The beauty of the game lies not only in scoring from direct kicks, penalties, or solo efforts but in the artistry and athleticism behind each strike. Overhead or bicycle kicks are particularly extraordinary, requiring players to score while their back faces the goal, a display of precision, timing, and skill.
Recently, several such goals have captured global attention for their impressive heights and execution. Among them, Scott McTominay’s 2.53 m overhead against Denmark stands out as a potential record-breaker. Also notable are Paul Onuachu and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, each with a remarkable history of overhead strikes.
In this blog on Odds96, we’ll analyse each strike, review recent form, recall other legendary bicycle goals, and reflect on why these moments matter.
The Major Three: Recent High-Flying Bicycle Kicks
Scott McTominay: Scotland vs Denmark (Nov 18, 2025)
In a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park, McTominay opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a breathtaking overhead finish. The Napoli strike has been measured at 2.53 metres (8 ft 3 in) from the ground at the moment of contact. That goal helped secure a 4-2 win, sending Scotland to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
Because of the spectacular nature and the claimed height, the goal is under review by Guinness World Records for possible recognition as the highest aerial strike ever scored. So far this season, he has scored two goals for Italian side Napoli in Serie A, across 11 appearances.
Paul Onuachu: Trabzonspor vs Fatih Karagümrük (2025)
The 31-year-old Nigerian player, Onuachu, scored an overhead kick measured at 2.41 metres in a Turkish Super Lig match against Fatih Karagümrük in the 35th minute of the game and guided his side to win the game by 4-3 win. That strike made headlines, and until McTominay’s goal was being considered among the highest overhead-kick finishes in football history. The forward has scored nine goals for his side this season in 13 appearances while providing one assist.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid vs Juventus (Apr 2018)
Five-time UEFA Champions League winner Cristiano Ronaldo is synonymous with records in football. Ronaldo’s iconic overhead kick in the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League quarter-final is widely regarded as one of the greatest in modern football, which was even applauded by the Juventus crowd. According to height estimates circulating among analysts, his foot contacted the ball at around 2.38 metres.
Because of the new claims for Onuachu and McTominay, Ronaldo now sits third in the running for “highest overhead kick measured,” but his goal remains a benchmark for technical brilliance and timing. The 40-year-old star scored another bicycle kick while playing for Al-Nassr against Al Khaleej, contributing to a 4-1 Saudi Pro League win.
The Portuguese star icon has scored 10 goals this season for his club Al Nassr in just 9 league matches.
Other Legendary Overhead
Over the years, some bicycle-kick goals have etched themselves into football folklore not necessarily because of jump height, but because of stage, technique, or sheer audacity:
Gareth Bale: Real Madrid vs Liverpool, 2018 UEFA Champions League Final. A match-winning overhead kick on the grandest European stage.
Zlatan Ibrahimović: Sweden vs England, 2012 (International Friendly). A long-range overhead kick from outside the box, superbly executed and lauded for vision and ended the match with 4-2 in favour of Sweden.
Such goals remind us that while height and athleticism matter, context importance of match, execution, and difficulty can make a bicycle kick legendary, independent of exact meters.
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Conclusion
Bicycle-kick goals remain among football’s most spectacular feats. The recent claims, especially McTominay’s 2.53 m overhead, have sparked legitimate debate about who holds the “highest measured bicycle kick” title. But beyond numbers, what truly defines greatness is execution, timing, stage, and impact. McTominay, Onuachu and Ronaldo each delivered moments of brilliance; whether one stands tallest by the metrics or by the memories, only time will tell.
FAQs
Q: Is McTominay’s goal an official record?
A: Guinness is reviewing McTominay’s 2.53 m bicycle kick; it’s not yet officially verified as the world record.
Q: Are the height measurements reliable?
A: Heights are estimated using video analysis and scaling techniques; numbers are approximate, not absolutely verified measurements.
Q: Does a higher jump mean a better goal?
A: Jump height alone doesn’t define quality; technique, timing, difficulty, and match importance determine a bicycle kick’s greatness.
Q: Are overhead kicks more common today?
A: Modern training, athleticism, and flexibility allow players to perform more frequent, precise, and acrobatic bicycle kicks.
