Bamford's Blockbuster, Enzo's Picture-Perfect Free-Kick & Mainoo's Final Delight | Best Goals of 2025

1. Patrick Bamford's Blockbuster (Leeds United vs. Manchester City)

If you ever doubted the beauty of a long-range strike, Patrick Bamford made sure to remind us all of its raw power in a spectacular encounter between Leeds United and Manchester City. The game, which took place in early February, saw Leeds battling to keep their place in the Premier League, while City was in pursuit of another title.

In the 67th minute, with Leeds United trailing 2-1, Bamford picked up the ball just past the halfway line after a City clearance. Seeing an opportunity, he took one touch before unleashing a thunderous shot from nearly 40 yards out. The ball sailed through the air, dipping just in time to beat Ederson at his near post, rattling the net and sending the Elland Road faithful into a frenzy.

This stunning strike not only earned Leeds a crucial point but also firmly placed Bamford's goal in the conversation for Goal of the Season. It was a moment that reminded everyone just how thrilling football can be, and why long-range strikes will always capture the imagination of fans.

2. Enzo Fernández's Picture-Perfect Free-Kick (Chelsea vs. Liverpool)

If you needed any more proof that Enzo Fernández was one of the most gifted midfielders in world football, his free-kick against Liverpool in March 2025 was all the evidence you need. Chelsea’s clash with their rivals had all the ingredients for a thrilling contest, but it was Fernández's magical free-kick in the 82nd minute that left everyone in awe.

With the score tied at 1-1, Chelsea earned a free-kick 25 yards out in a dangerous position just outside the box. Fernández, ever the composed professional, took a few steps back, eyed the target, and sent the ball curling beautifully over the wall. It sailed with incredible precision and dipped just under the crossbar, past the outstretched arms of Alisson.

The perfect technique and unbelievable accuracy made this free-kick a work of art. It not only secured Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool but also cemented Enzo Fernández’s place among the elite set-piece specialists in the world. His free-kick was the kind of strike that leaves fans and players alike simply shaking their heads in disbelief.

3. Mainoo’s Last-Minute Delight (Manchester United vs. Arsenal)

The 2025 FA Cup final had already been a thrilling spectacle, but Mainoo’s last-minute winner for Manchester United against Arsenal took the game to legendary status. With the match locked at 1-1 in the 90th minute, and with only a few moments left to decide the winner, Manchester United found one final burst of energy.

Alejandro Garnacho sprinted down the wing, cutting inside to deliver a cross into the box. The ball was perfectly placed, but it seemed to be just out of the reach of Bruno Fernandes. In a flash, Mainoo arrived at the perfect moment, meeting the ball with a well-timed header. The ball flew past Aaron Ramsdale and into the bottom corner of the net.

The last-minute nature of the goal, combined with the exquisite timing and clinical finish, made this goal not just a match-winner but a career-defining moment for the young midfielder. United’s 2-1 victory in the final was sealed, and Mainoo’s celebration will be etched into FA Cup folklore forever.

4. Lionel Messi's Iconic Free-Kick (PSG vs. Lyon)

It’s hard to write a piece about the best goals without including one from Lionel Messi, and the 2025 season gave us another reminder of his genius. In a key Ligue 1 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, Messi delivered a free-kick that will surely be talked about for years to come.

With the match in the balance at 1-1, PSG earned a free-kick just outside the penalty box. As always, the task fell to Messi to break the deadlock. From 30 yards out, he stepped up to the ball with the calmest of demeanors, as the PSG fans in the stands held their breath. Messi’s trademark curled shot flew over the wall, dipping and swerving like only he can, and it kissed the top corner of the net, leaving Lyon’s goalkeeper helpless.

This goal wasn’t just about the technique; it was about the consistency and precision that Messi has perfected over a career filled with magic. His free-kick secured a 2-1 win for PSG and added another chapter to his already legendary career.

5. Kylian Mbappé’s Solo Run (PSG vs. Marseille)

Kylian Mbappé has been one of the best attackers in world football for years, and his goal in PSG's 4-1 win over Marseille in April 2025 was a perfect example of his ability to dominate a game with his pace and finishing.

Receiving the ball just inside his own half, Mbappé turned on the afterburners, leaving Marseille’s defenders in his wake as he sprinted towards goal. With two defenders closing in, he calmly skipped past the first challenge and rounded Marseille’s goalkeeper, finishing into the empty net with an almost nonchalant flick of his right foot.

This solo effort was the kind of goal that reminds you why Mbappé is considered one of the best players in the world. It was a mixture of incredible athleticism, technical brilliance, and composure — all wrapped up in one unforgettable goal.

Conclusion: A Year of Unforgettable Goals

The 2025 football season has already delivered some of the most breathtaking goals in recent memory. From Bamford’s blockbuster to Enzo Fernández's free-kick wizardry and Mainoo’s final delight, these goals have kept fans on the edge of their seats and will be remembered as some of the best moments of the year.

Whether it’s the sheer audacity of a long-range shot, the precision of a free-kick, or the composure in a high-pressure moment, these goals remind us of the incredible talent and drama that football brings to our lives. As the season continues, we can only hope that more moments of magic lie ahead.