Micky van de Ven scored one of the most extraordinary goals in UEFA Champions League history during Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-0 victory over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday evening, so remarkable that Spurs manager Thomas Frank joked, "Lionel Messi had turned into a centre-back".
Here we take a look at incredible goals scored by Premier League players in the Champions League.
Micky van de Ven v Copenhagen – November 2025
The defender demonstrated incredible power, pace and lastly composure as he surged forward with the ball, running almost the full length of the pitch, to score Spurs' third goal of their 4-0 win over Copenhagen. It drew comparison with Son Heung-min's famous solo strike for Spurs in the Premier League, against Burnley, which won FIFA's prestigious Puskas Award.
Declan Rice v Real Madrid – April 2025
The second of Declan Rice’s two jaw-dropping free-kicks for Arsenal against the 15-time European champions stamped his authority on the biggest stage on a memorable night at the Emirates.
Jhon Duran v Bayern Munich – October 2024
Jhon Duran’s stunning lob over Manuel Neuer sealed a famous victory in Villa Park's first European Cup or Champions League match since 1983, announcing Aston Villa's return to the continent’s elite competition.
Fabian Schar v Paris Saint-Germain – October 2023
The demolition of French champions PSG on Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League was made all the more sweet by Fabian Schar’s stoppage-time strike from distance.
Rodri v Bayern Munich – April 2023
Rodri registered his first Champions League goal in style, producing a stunning curling effort with his "weaker" left foot to open the scoring in Manchester City's quarter-final win against Bayern.
Erling Haaland v Borussia Dortmund – September 2022
Facing his former club, Man City's goal machine Erling Haaland defied physics with an acrobatic finish at the back post, in an incredible display of athleticism and instinct.
Thiago v Porto – November 2021
Thiago’s half-volley skimmed inches above the grass before slicing into the corner to give Liverpool the lead in a group-stage match at Anfield. A moment of technical purity.
Kevin De Bruyne v Shakhtar Donetsk – September 2017
Kevin De Bruyne took the time and space from outside the area as an invitation to unleash a wicked strike for Man City in the Champions League.
Mesut Ozil v Ludogorets – November 2016
Mesut Ozil teased the goalkeeper and two defenders with a dink and a shimmy, producing an Arsenal goal that encapsulated his elegance.
Aaron Ramsey v Galatasaray – December 2014
A goal of outrageous technique. A 30-yard volley hit on the run, flying into the top corner during an impressive 4-1 away win for Arsenal.
Yaya Toure v Viktoria Plzen – September 2013
A trademark Yaya Toure thunderbolt for Man City, finding the net from range with power and pace.
Ramires v Barcelona – April 2012
A cool finish in a high-pressure semi-final, Ramires produced an exquisite chip for Chelsea to stun the Camp Nou.
Gareth Bale v Inter Milan – October 2010
The night Gareth Bale announced himself to the world. His hat-trick for Spurs at San Siro included a blistering solo run and finish.
Cristiano Ronaldo v Porto – April 2009
Forty yards from goal with only one thing in mind, Cristiano Ronaldo unleashed a rocket that arrowed into the top corner as Manchester United won the away leg of their 2008/09 quarter-final.
Cristiano Ronaldo v Arsenal – May 2009
Ronaldo followed his effort against Porto with another screamer against Arsenal in the second-leg of the semi-final, when he hit a wobbling free-kick past Manuel Almunia from 40 yards.
Michael Essien v Barcelona – May 2009
Michael Essien’s left-footed volley cannoned in off the bar in a frantic Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
Paul Scholes v Barcelona – April 2008
A vintage Paul Scholes strike containing power and accuracy. A moment of magic which sent Man Utd into the 2008 final in Moscow.
Frank Lampard v Barcelona – October 2006
A moment of ingenuity and poise. Chelsea icon Frank Lampard improvised with a deft chip from an impossible angle, and left Victor Valdes rooted. Vision and execution fused in one motion.
Thierry Henry v Real Madrid – February 2006
Thierry Henry brushed past three defenders and finished coolly to give Arsenal a historic away win. Solo excellence at the Bernabeu.
Luis Garcia v Juventus – April 2005
Latching onto a loose ball, Luis Garcia’s glorious volley is one of Anfield’s finest Champions League goals.
Steven Gerrard v Olympiacos – December 2004