⁠Top 10 footballers to score vital goal against their former club

Published at :April 17, 2024 at 10:07 PM

Modified at :April 17, 2024 at 10:07 PM

Some of these goals were scored in European competitions

Football is quite unpredictable! From which player would go where to who would score or what can the final score be?! Quite a few of these times, players would end up getting vital goals for their current clubs against their former employees and this is where it gets heated. So, let’s see the players who have gone on to ruin the day for their former sides.

Robin van Persie, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are all world-class forwards with a surprising commonality: they’ve all scored crucial goals against their former clubs. But these three superstars aren’t alone. Read on, to discover seven other players who netted vital goals against their past employers.

10. Andrea Pirlo vs AC Milan (2013)

Andrea Pirlo‘s name comes in as one of the top few players when talking about free-kicks. His goal in the 2013-14 Serie A season against, his then former side, AC Milan earned great plaudits. He helped Juventus soar to victory in the game and also helped them lift the scudetto convincingly that season with 102 points.

9. Robert Lewandowski vs Dortmund (2014)

In 2014, Robert Lewandowski scored for Bayern Munich in Der Klassiker against his ex-club Dortmund. What marked the goal’s importance was the finish and him dedicating it to his father. Post-match he said that he tried to contain his celebrations in respect for his former side but dedicated this goal to his deceased father.

8. Kevin de Bruyne vs Chelsea (2022)

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne haunted his former club C h elsea in 2022 with a stunning solo goal. His decisive strike secured a 1-0 win that put City a massive 13 points clear at the Premier League summit.

7. Cole Palmer vs Manchester City (2023)

Cole ‘cold’ Palmer is rising to stardom, since joining Chelsea from Manchester City. Earlier this season, in November, he made his mark against his former club in dramatic fashion. The youngster kept his cool under pressure to slot home a late penalty, securing a dramatic 4-4 draw and etching his name with a composed celebration.

6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs Inter Milan (2010)

In a move that surprised no one, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the winning penalty against his former club Inter Milan in his very first Milan derby for AC Milan on November 14, 2010. The controversial striker, known for his confidence (and sometimes embellishment), capitalized on a tackle by Marco Materazzi to put the Rossoneri ahead and secure bragging rights in the city.

5. Robin van Persie vs Arsenal (2012)

In a dramatic return to Arsenal on November 3rd, 2012, Robin van Persie wasted no time scoring against his former club, for Manchester United. The Dutchman’s respectful silence after putting his current team ahead spoke volumes.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Manchester United (2013)

The 2012-13 Champions League reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United was bittersweet. After scoring for Real Madrid in the first leg, Ronaldo scored again at Old Trafford, silencing the crowd but refusing to celebrate out of respect for his former club.

3. Ousmane Dembele vs FC Barcelona (2024)

The most recent one on the list is Ousmane Dembele against his former side. Dembele silenced jeers from his former club Barcelona with a crucial goal and penalty won in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final. This helped propel PSG to a 4-1 victory and a semi-final berth, capping a two-legged masterclass against his former team.

2. Philippe Coutinho vs FC Barcelona (2020)

Philippe Coutinho‘s loan spell at Bayern Munich turned sour for Barcelona. In a Champions League quarter-final clash, the Brazilian lit up the Allianz Arena with a dazzling two goals and an assist in an 8-2 demolition of his parent club. All that in just 7 minutes of cameo!

1. Mohamed Salah vs Roma (2018)

2018 saw Mohamed Salah torment his old club Roma in a Champions League semi-final. The Egyptian King bagged a brace and two assists as Liverpool dominated 5-2 at Anfield, despite conceding late goals. Remarkably, he celebrated each goal with respect for his former team.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.