Footballers Who Ended Scoring Droughts With Backside Goals 2026

When footballers endure a scoring drought, they often joke about the ball going in off their backside. But has such a goal ever actually ended a barren run? In this article, we explore the quirky world of backside goals and the players who broke their ducks in the most unlikely fashion. From Dean Coney to Robbie Slater, these stories add a touch of earthy charm to the beautiful game.

The Unlikely Heroes of Backside Goals

While we dreamed of a prolific striker ending a long drought with a fortuitous ricochet off their derriere, no such perfect example exists. However, several players have scored their first goals in this comical manner. These moments may not have ended lengthy droughts for prolific scorers, but they certainly broke ducks for the players involved.

Dean Coney: Norwich City's Backside Hero

In 1989, Dean Coney of Norwich City scored a memorable goal against Aston Villa in a 2-2 draw. He charged down a clearance from goalkeeper Nigel Spink, and the ball rebounded off his backside into the net. It was Coney's only goal for the club, making it a unique and cherished moment in his career.

Robbie Slater: International Backside Goal

A few years later, Australia's Robbie Slater, who won the Premier League with Blackburn, scored his first goal for the Socceroos with his backside against the Solomon Islands. It came in his 21st full international and was the opening goal in a 6-2 win during qualification for France 98. Slater's goal is a classic example of how a backside strike can break an international duck.

Other Notable Backside Goals

Beyond Coney and Slater, there have been other instances where players have scored off their posterior. While not all ended droughts, they are worth mentioning for their sheer improbability and humor.

• Gary Lineker once scored a goal off his backside for England, though it wasn't his first.
• Paul Scholes had a goal go in off his rear in a Manchester United match.
• Peter Crouch used his backside to score for Stoke City, showcasing his unique physique.

Comparison of Backside Goals

To better understand these unusual goals, let's compare the key details of the most famous backside strikes.

Key Takeaways

• Backside goals are rare but memorable moments in football.
• Dean Coney and Robbie Slater both ended scoring droughts with backside strikes.
• These goals often require a combination of positioning, luck, and quick reflexes.
• While not always drought-ending, they add humor and unpredictability to the game.

FAQ

What is a backside goal in football?

What is a backside goal in football?

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A backside goal occurs when the ball rebounds off a player's posterior into the net, often unintentionally.

Which player ended a scoring drought with a backside goal?

Which player ended a scoring drought with a backside goal?

Dean Coney for Norwich City in 1989 and Robbie Slater for Australia in 1997 both ended droughts with backside goals.

Are backside goals common in professional football?

Are backside goals common in professional football?

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No, backside goals are rare and often occur by chance, making them memorable events.