A goal scored directly from a corner kick without any other player touching the ball is called an Olympic goal, or Olimpico goal.

One of the hardest and most extraordinary things in football is scoring a direct corner kick.

It requires a perfect spin, accuracy, and a bit of daring.

Over the years, a few players have succeeded in pulling it off during competitive matches.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

In 2018, Salah stunned fans during an AFCON Qualifier with Swaziland when he curled a corner directly into the net.

The goal displayed his excellent tactic and remains one of the most memorable Olympic goals in African football.

Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha (Nigeria)

Okocha was a master of magic who could do anything on the field, being known to be creativity and flair.

He was said to have scored directly out of a corner during his stint in Europe with PSG and Bolton Wanderers, a perfect example of his unpredictable genius.

Liverpool striker Mohammed Salah. PHOTO/ Salah FB.

Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)

The former Manchester City midfielder was a master of precision.

In 2014, one of his inswinging corners deceived the goalkeeper and went straight in, a goal that reflected his exceptional technique and power.

Andre Ayew (Ghana)

During his tenure at Olympique Marseille, Ayew scored an Olimpico goal in Ligue 1. His left-footed corner kick hit the goalkeeper at the near post, earning him praise for his composure and accuracy.

Mbwana Samatta (Tanzania)

Samatta made history at TP Mazembe when he scored a direct corner in a CAF Champions League match, a unique and unforgettable moment for the Tanzanian football fans.

Hakim Ziyech (Morocco)

During his spell with Ajax, Ziyech demonstrated his world-class set-piece ability by scoring an Olimpico in the Eredivisie.

His wicked curl from the flag flew straight into the top corner.

Also Read: Kenya’s Whistle Masters: Meet The Four Referees Flying The Flag At AFCON 2025

Ahmed Musa (Nigeria)

In his time with CSKA Moscow, Musa scored directly from a corner on a snowy evening in Russia, catching the goalkeeper off guard with a sharply dipping delivery

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Mane did it once in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg, when he curled a high corner inside the net , a perfect example of his attacking instinct.

Siphiwe Tshabalala (South Africa).

In the 2013 PSL season, the Kaizer Chiefs star scored a spectacular Olimpico after he curled a left-footed corner into the goal to the delight of local fans.

Former England and Manchester United player David Beckham. PHOTO/Beckham FB.

Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet (Egypt)

The Aston Villa and Egyptian winger has already scored goals in training and friendly games and has demonstrated the same talent that has earned him a reputation as being one of the most talented wingers in Africa.

Diego Maradona (Napoli)

The Argentine legend scored directly from a corner while playing for Napoli, a goal that summed up his extraordinary creativity and technique.

David Beckham(England/LA Galaxy)

Beckham’s signature bend produced several Olimpico goals in his career; his precision from the corner flag was unmatched.

Senegal winger Sadio Mane. PHOTO/Mane FB.

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Henry demonstrated his skill in handling the ball and accuracy in 2005, when he kicked a corner kick directly into the goal against Wigan at Highbury.

Ronaldinho (Flamengo)

Ronaldinho struck a magnificent Olimpico in Serie A in Brazil, proof that his magic extended even to the most improbable angles.

Megan Rapinoe (USA)

Rapinoe made one of the most iconic goals in the history of women football during the 2012 London Olympics as she scored directly from a corner against Canada in the semifinal.

Also Read: Football Legends Who Won the World Cup, Ballon d’Or, and Champions League

Angel di Maria (Argentina)

And Di Maria scored a gorgeous Olimpico against Haiti in a friendly, curling the ball with ease directly into the goal.

Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

In the 2020 Spanish Super Cup, Kroos surprised Valencia with a quick-thinking Olimpico, proving his sharp football intelligence.

Alexis Sanchez (Chile)

In 2013, against England, Sanchez rolled one in the net, leaving Joe Hart surprised,a reminder of his brilliant set-piece ability.

Real Madrid and German legend Toni Kroos. PHOTO/Kroos FB.

Alvaro Recoba (Inter Milan)

Recoba was famous for his left foot, which earned him several goals straight off corners both in club and international football.

Sinisa Mihajlovic (Lazio)

Mihajlovic is known to be one of the greatest free-kick takers of all time.

He also scored for Olympiacos in Serie A with Lazio, thanks to his accuracy and power.

Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey)

Calhanoglu joined the list with a spectacular Olimpico in Serie A, highlighting his ability in the set pieces.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. PHOTO/Henry FB.