Throughout football history, there have been plenty of great defenders who are also capable of popping up with a goal. These players have managed to score some of the craziest goals in world football.
One of the most impressive goals was scored by Diego Passarella. Despite being only 5’8 tall, Passarella managed to find the net 175 times.
Diego Passarella
The 1978 World Cup-winning Argentine team captain and center-back Daniel Passarella was a dominant force in the middle of the park. He also scored a memorable free-kick against the Netherlands in the final, although his defender-like skills and cunning tactics were the main reasons that he won the Golden Ball.
During Argentina’s disastrous qualification campaign, Passarella suffered harsh criticism from fans and media. But he has since forged a side that is quietly positioned behind Brazil, Germany, and Italy, and could steal a third World Cup in Russia next summer.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is one of the most celebrated and legendary Dutch footballers of all time. He pioneered the ‘Total Football’ style of play, a revolution that took European football by storm in the 70s.
Cruyff was a right-footed player who was able to excel in every aspect of the game, including shooting, passing, and dribbling. His talents earned him a place in many of the best teams ever to play football.
Johan Neeskens
Johan Neeskens, who starred in two World Cup finals for the Netherlands in 1974 and 1978, is a fine example of a player that can genuinely score goals as a defender. It’s something that’s sadly becoming rarer in today’s market.
During his time at Ajax, Neeskens’ team adapted a style of play known as ‘Total Football’ that became popular across the world. It was this playing style that helped put Neeskens on the radar as one of the top defenders in history.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is one of the most influential footballers of all time. He was a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, and his revolutionary style of play – Total Football – was a huge influence on modern soccer.
When he was in charge of Barcelona in 1988, Cruyff transformed the team, winning four Spanish titles and the first-ever European title. He also built up a youth academy that produced Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi.
