Football isn’t just about stunning goals and brilliant skills—sometimes, it serves up moments of pure comedy. From goalkeeper howlers to unbelievable own goals, here are the 10 funniest blunders in soccer history that left fans in stitches.
10. Karius’ UCL Final Nightmare (2018)
What Happened? Liverpool’s Loris Karius threw the ball straight at Karim Benzema’s leg for an instant Real Madrid goal, then later fumbled a Gareth Bale shot. A brutal UCL final performance.
Why It’s Funny? The sheer disbelief on his face—like he’d seen a ghost. 😨
9. René Higuita’s Scorpion Kick Fiasco (1995)
What Happened? Colombia’s eccentric keeper tried a scorpion kick clearance in a friendly vs. England… only for Jamie Redknapp to score from the rebound.
Why It’s Funny? Peak Higuita—because why save it normally when you can backflip-kick it? 🦂
8. Toni Schumacher’s “Save” (1982 World Cup)
What Happened? West Germany’s keeper charged out like a bull, flattening France’s Patrick Battiston and knocking him unconscious. No red card.
Why It’s Funny? The audacity—Schumacher didn’t even check on him! 😵
7. Zidane’s Headbutt Heard ‘Round the World (2006)
What Happened? In his final career game, Zizou rammed his head into Marco Materazzi’s chest after some trash talk. Instant red card in the World Cup final.
Why It’s Funny? The slow-mo replay of Materazzi’s dramatic fall is comedy gold. 🎭
6. Lee Dixon’s Own Goal Masterpiece (1991)
What Happened? Arsenal legend Lee Dixon tried a backpass so powerful it flew past his own keeper like a rocket.
Why It’s Funny? The sheer force of it—like he was aiming for the top corner. 🚀
5. Ali Dia’s Fraudulent Debut (1996)
What Happened? Southampton signed a player posing as George Weah’s cousin—turned out he was terrible and got subbed off after 53 mins.
Why It’s Funny? The ultimate football scam. 🤡
4. Piqué’s Own Goal vs. Atleti (2020)
What Happened? Gerard Piqué tried a bicycle kick clearance… and scored a perfect own goal.
Why It’s Funny? The technique was flawless—just in the wrong net. 🤸♂️
3. Essam El-Hadary’s Water Bottle Fail (2018 World Cup)
What Happened? Egypt’s 45-year-old keeper slipped while celebrating a save, spilling water everywhere.
Why It’s Funny? Even legends aren’t safe from slapstick moments. 💦
2. Arshavin’s “I’m Cold” Interview (2013)
What Happened? After a terrible loss, Andrey Arshavy gave an interview saying, “What do you want me to do—cry? It’s cold. I just want to go home.”
Why It’s Funny? The ultimate “I don’t care” moment. ❄️
1. Derby’s Entire Team Forgetting to Defend (2007)
What Happened? Derby County’s defenders all ran up for a corner, leaving an open net for Preston to score.
Why It’s Funny? Peak Sunday League energy. 😭
🏆 Bonus: The Worst Penalty Ever (2016)
What Happened? In an Indonesian league match, a player tripped mid-run-up, scuffing the ball about two feet.
