Top 10 Most Iconic Goal Celebrations in Women’s Soccer History
For over 25 years, soccer goals have become synonymous with memorable images of celebration. From the fun and silly to the solemn and proud, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable and historic goal celebrations in women’s soccer history.
10. Kelly Smith – 2007
2007 After 12 years of absence from the World Cup, England finally got its chance to return in 2007. After scoring the first of her two goals against Japan, Smith celebrated by taking off her boot and covering it with kisses. The game ultimately resulted in a draw, but the celebration became iconic.
9. Sophia Smith – 2023
After scoring her second goal in the 2023 US Women’s National Team game against Vietnam, Sophia Smith celebrated by honoring her late teammate Katie Meyer, who died by suicide in 2022. Smith replicated Meyer’s celebration, a “zip-your-lip” motion with her hands. Smith and teammate Naomi Girma planned the gesture beforehand in remembrance of Meyer.
8. Chloe Kelly and Bunny Shaw – 2023
Manchester City duo Chloe Kelly and Bunny Shaw have become known for their friendship on and off the pitch. The iconic pair, according to Goal, “ensure that City are rarely short of goals,” and have entertained fans with goal celebrations. After scoring to take United in a 3-1 victory at the Manchester Derby, Kelly and Shaw performed a dance by the Nigerian singer, Davido.
7. Norma Palafox – 2017
In the 2017 match between Chivas de Guadalajara and América, Norma Palafox extended the Chivas lead to 0-2 with a header into goal. She celebrated with a dance that fans still talk about today.
6. Abby Wambach – 2010
After scoring the game’s only goal in a frosty match between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Mexico in Utah, Wambach and her teammates celebrated by laying in the snow and making snow angels. According to Deseret News, it was the first time in the USWNT’s 26-year history that the team played in the snow.
5. Venezuela – 2014
After a header into the goal in a match between Venezuela and Slovakia during the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Venezuela celebrated by creating a human bicycle with four of their teammates.
4. Lo’eau LaBonta – 2022
After a penalty kick against Angel City Football Club that evened the score 1-1, LaBonta went viral after her fake hamstring injury-turned-twerking celebration. The celebration became so popular that KC Chiefs tight-end Travis Kelce recreated it during practice.
3. Sam Kerr – 2010
Enjoy Sam Kerr completing a backflip after scoring for Chelsea 😂 pic.twitter.com/nP5gc8JHkb
— espnW (@espnW) March 14, 2021
Sam Kerr is known for her celebratory backflips after scoring, which she taught herself to do at just 9 years old and continued throughout her career, most notable after her first-ever goal for Australia in 2010. But, according to Kerr, now that she is 30 years old, the backflips are no more.
2. Megan Rapinoe – 2019
The 2019 US Women’s World Cup cemented Rapinoe as a household name and gave her the title of Sports Illustrated 2019 Sportsperson of the Year. Between her advocacy for equality and social activism off the field, the iconic 2019 celebration was a moment for the history books. After scoring against France in the quarterfinals, Rapinoe stood triumphant, with her arms outstretched, claiming her space in a world which tries repeatedly to knock women down.
1. Brandi Chastain – 1999
The soccer celebration to end all soccer celebrations. After scoring the game-winning penalty kick in the 1999 Women’s World Cup, Brandi Chastain ripped off her kit and fell to her knees in a moment that has since become synonymous with women’s soccer. The 1999 tournament marked a turning point in women’s soccer, increasing public interest, participation and attendance of games. The image of Brandi Chastain is symbolic of that breakthrough.
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