HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Where Iconic Football Moves Get Their Names - BBC Sport Explains

BBC Sport •
×

BBC Sport investigates the origins of football's most famous moves. The Panenka penalty, named after Antonin Panenka who scored it in the 1976 Euros, involves softly lofting the ball down the middle of the goal. This bold technique, watched by millions, changed how penalties are taken.

Another move, the scorpion kick, was popularized by Rene Higuita in 1995, where a goalkeeper dives forward flicking their heels up to save a shot. The bicycle kick, an acrobatic overhead kick, has roots in South America and was first called that by English journalists in the 1930s. The rabona, an unorthodox kick crossing the standing leg, originated with Ricardo Infante in 1948 and was later popularized by Giovanni Roccotelli.

The rare Olimpico goal, scoring directly from a corner, was first recorded in 1924 and has been scored 21 times in the Premier League. The Cruyff turn, a deceptive dribble named after Johan Cruyff, involves drawing back the foot before moving the ball back. The Maradona turn, also known as the Marseille turn, involves a 360-degree spin and was popularized by Diego Maradona after Yves Mariot first performed it.