There are goals that live forever in highlight reels, and then there are goals that feel like pure theatre - moments when audacity meets instinct. The scorpion kick belongs to that rare category. It’s not just a finish; it’s a flourish, a statement, a reminder that football is as much about artistry as it is about results.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (vs Sunderland, 2016/17)
Perhaps the most iconic in Premier League history. Mkhitaryan’s flicked heel volley against Sunderland was part ballet, part improvisation—a goal that seemed to defy physics and instantly became a viral sensation.
Olivier Giroud (vs Crystal Palace, 2061/17)
If Mkhitaryan’s was art, Giroud’s was poetry – “Utterly magnificent,” the commentator said . Giroud’s scorpion kick against Palace was not only technically outrageous but also perfectly placed, kissing the underside of the bar before nestling in. It won the FIFA Puskás Award, cementing its place among the greatest goals ever scored.
Laurent Robert (vs Fulham, 2003/04)
A cult classic. Robert’s scorpion-style flick against Fulham was less polished than Giroud’s but equally audacious. It showed the Frenchman’s flair and unpredictability, a reminder that Newcastle’s entertainers were never short of drama.
Pablo Fornals (vs Bournemouth, 2022/23)
Fornals added his name to the list with a cheeky scorpion finish that blended improvisation with sharp awareness.
Josh Sargent (vs Watford, 2021/22)
The American striker stunned fans with an extraordinary scorpion-style flick that highlighted his instinctive finishing.
Dominic Solanke (vs Man City, 2025/26)
Solanke at the right place, at the right time against Man City. His scorpion kick was a striker’s dream - instinctive, inventive, and executed with perfect timing. It showcased his evolution into a forward capable of producing moments of magic.
WHY THESE GOALS MATTER
The scorpion kick is more than a trick shot. It’s a celebration of football’s unpredictability, a reminder that the game thrives on moments of genius that can’t be coached or rehearsed. Each of these goals carries its own narrative: Giroud’s artistry, Mkhitaryan’s improvisation, Robert’s flair, Fornals’ cheek, Sargent’s spark, Solanke’s evolution.
Together, they form a gallery of Premier League audacity - snapshots of players daring to dream mid-match, and pulling it off in front of millions.