Discover the most bizarre own goals ever scored in football. From league blunders to unforgettable bloopers, relive these strange moments that stunned the game.
Strangest Own Goals in Football History That Shocked the League
Football is a sport defined by glorious goals, heroic saves, and unforgettable drama. But sometimes, it’s the unexpected blunders—the unintentional moments of madness—that steal the spotlight. Among the most surreal and comedic moments in the sport are own goals, especially when they’re downright bizarre.
Whether it’s a wild back pass, a goalkeeper slip, or a misjudged clearance, the strangest own goals in football history have provided unforgettable entertainment. These aren’t just simple errors—they’re legendary bloopers that fans, teammates, and even the players themselves will never forget.
In this Mint33 article, we explore the strangest own goals ever recorded, examining how they happened, the reaction around them, and how they impacted each league.
What Makes an Own Goal Strange?
Not all own goals are created equal. Some are unlucky deflections, others result from chaos during set pieces. But a strange own goal stands out. It might be due to the location on the pitch, the player involved, the timing, or even the absurdity of the situation.
A strange own goal:
- Happens in an unpredictable manner.
- Often leaves fans in disbelief.
- Might occur in a critical match.
- Becomes viral and discussed for years.
1. Lee Dixon – Arsenal vs Coventry City (1991)
League: English First Division (Pre-Premier League)
In one of the earliest viral own goals in English football, Arsenal fullback Lee Dixon attempted an audacious back-pass to his goalkeeper David Seaman. What followed was a perfectly executed chip—over Seaman’s head and into the net.
Why it’s strange:
It was technically brilliant… except it was into the wrong goal. The ball curled with finesse, leaving Seaman rooted in place. If Dixon had done that at the other end, it would’ve been a Goal of the Season contender.
2. Chris Brass – Bury vs Darlington (2006)
League: Football League Two (England)
In what is often described as the most painful own goal ever, Bury defender Chris Brass attempted to clear the ball overhead but smashed it into his own face. The ball then ricocheted off his head and looped past his goalkeeper into the net.
Why it’s strange:
It looked like slapstick comedy. Even more bizarrely, Brass broke his nose in the process. Painful, comical, and unforgettable.
3. Jamie Pollock – Manchester City vs QPR (1998)
League: English First Division
Pollock scored what many Manchester City fans ironically call the “goal that saved United.” Trying to intercept a through-ball, Pollock flicked the ball over one attacker, then overran it, and accidentally lobbed his own keeper.
Why it’s strange:
It was a world-class solo goal—wrong direction. QPR ended up staying up while City were relegated, adding another layer of madness.
4. Jonathan Walters – Stoke City vs Chelsea (2013)
League: English Premier League
Stoke striker Jonathan Walters had a match to forget, scoring two own goals and missing a penalty against Chelsea. His first own goal came from a header off a corner. The second was another misjudged defensive header.
Why it’s strange:
Two own goals and a missed penalty in one match? That’s historically rare in any league. It was the perfect storm of bad luck and timing.
5. Andrés Escobar – Colombia vs USA (1994 World Cup)
League Equivalent: International Football, but deeply affected club careers and national leagues
Escobar’s deflection of a cross into his own net helped eliminate Colombia from the 1994 World Cup. Tragically, the mistake is believed to have contributed to his murder just days later in Medellín.
Why it’s strange:
Not for its execution, but for its consequence. The goal had a tragic aftermath that stunned the world of football.
6. Petr Čech’s Goal Off John Terry – Chelsea vs Sunderland (2010)
League: Premier League
Chelsea was trying to clear their lines when defender Michael Turner sent in a cross. John Terry tried to deflect it, but his clearance ricocheted off Petr Čech’s face and into the goal.
Why it’s strange:
The bounce off Čech’s face was so unexpected and awkward it looked like a glitch in a video game.
7. Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool vs Leicester City (2021)
League: English Premier League
In a tense match, Alexander-Arnold chased down a loose ball to prevent a cross. Under pressure, he slid in and inadvertently smashed the ball into his own net from a tight angle.
Why it’s strange:
It was pure hustle and speed gone wrong. Fans appreciated the effort—even if the ball ended up in the wrong goal.
8. Frank Sinclair – Leicester City vs Middlesbrough (2001)
League: Premier League
Frank Sinclair scored multiple own goals during his Premier League career, but the one against Boro stood out. Under no pressure, he casually passed the ball into his own net, leaving everyone stunned.
Why it’s strange:
There was no danger, no pressure—just a complete lapse in concentration.
9. Kolo Touré – Liverpool vs Fulham (2014)
League: English Premier League
Kolo Touré smashed the ball into the net from 10 yards out—but his own net. It looked like he was scoring a winner, only in the wrong direction.
Why it’s strange:
It was a perfect striker’s finish… unfortunately, it was Fulham fans celebrating.
10. Enyeama (Nigeria) – Own Goal vs Greece (2010 World Cup)
League Equivalent: International but involving top league players
Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama spilled a shot, and his teammate tried to clear it—only to kick it directly off Enyeama’s back and into their own net.
Why it’s strange:
It was chaotic, clumsy, and comical—all within seconds. A pure World Cup blooper.
How Own Goals Impact the League
Own goals might be funny in isolation, but they often change the entire season narrative. They can:
- Decide relegation battles.
- Influence title races.
- Alter team morale.
- Go viral and define a player’s career.
In tight leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, a single goal can be the difference between European football and dropping into obscurity. That’s why even the strangest own goals carry so much weight.
Own Goals: Humbling Moments in a Beautiful Game
Even the best defenders and goalkeepers fall victim to own goals. What matters is how they bounce back. In fact, some players known for epic own goals went on to captain clubs, win titles, and earn fan respect for owning their mistakes.
Football is full of drama—but it’s the human error that reminds us that even the best are not immune to mishaps.
Final Thoughts
From painful deflections to unforgettable bloopers, the strangest own goals in football continue to capture the imagination of fans. These moments live on in highlight reels, YouTube compilations, and league folklore.
They make us laugh, gasp, and sometimes cry. But more than anything, they’re part of what makes football so unpredictably beautiful.
If you’ve ever seen a bizarre own goal that made you laugh or shake your head, share it with your fellow fans. Let’s celebrate the beautiful chaos of football and support every league where moments like these are born. Football is nothing without passion—and every league brings us closer to that magic.