Goal celebrations – Five of the best

There are many trademark goal celebrations in football: the sentimental kissing of the wedding ring (Raul), the acrobatics (Robbie Keane’s archer) or the traditional right palm in the air (Alan Shearer).

The Sport Review takes a look at five of the best goal celebrations.

1. Jimmy Bullard (Hull City)

One of the most controversial moments of the 2008-09 campaign was the infamous half-time team-talk delivered by Phil Brown on the Eastlands pitch. Hull were suffering a hammering at the hands of Manchester City and Brown decided to reprimand his players under the glare of the media and fans. Bullard delivers his own team talk after his late equaliser on Saturday.

2. Francesco Totti (Roma)

Roma’s talismanic captain opted for the hands on approach when celebrating his goal against arch rivals, Lazio. He dedicated his goal to his pregnant wife, Ilari Blasi. We have seen the classic cradling celebration before, but Totti takes it to a new, graphic level.

3. Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)

In the preamble to the blockbuster clash between two of Europe’s elite at the Nou Camp, Craig Bellamy was splashed all over the tabloids having allegedly attacked team-mate John Arne Riise with a golf club. He was promptly earned the nickname ‘The nutter with the putter’. Inevitably he went on to score in Liverpool’s next game against Barcelona and teed up John Arne Riise for the winner.

4. Paul Gascoigne (England)

Arguably the most iconic moment of the European Championships in 1996 was Paul Gasoigne’s goal and subsequent celebration. The English midfielder produced a wonderful piece of magic and the England players treated the maestro to the dentist chair.

5. Robbie Fowler (Liverpool)

This celebration is included solely on the basis of the controversy it caused and the bizarre explanation by Gerard Houiller in the post-match conference. Robbie Fowler showed no hesitation from the spot, driving his effort into the net. Subsequently he lurches onto the ground and imitates snorting cocaine off the touchline. It was a ironic celebration after being subjected to rumours circulating which accused him of substance abuse. Houiller came up with his own explanation. The manager claimed the routine symbolised ‘a cow eating grass’ which was a joke shared between the Cameroon centre back Rigobert Song and Fowler.

Have we missed a cracker? Let us know in the comments below!