Micky van de Ven made headlines this week after scoring a stunning solo goal in Tottenham’s win over FC Copenhagen.
The Dutch defender took matters into his own hands with a surging coast-to-coast run, picking up possession on the edge of his own area before powering forward to score.
Van de Ven’s moment of magic has got us recalling some of the best individual efforts in Champions League history.
Five of the best solo goals in Champions League history
George Weah vs Bayern Munich (1994)
The Liberian left a trail of Bayern Munich defenders in his wake on route to scoring this classic goal in 1993/94. Weah would end that campaign as the Champions League’s leading scorer, with seven goals, but none better than this belter against Bayern.
It was the sort of fleet footwork and emphatic finishing that made Weah the first non-European to win the Ballon d’Or in 1995. He remains Africa’s only winner of the accolade.
𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Memorable goals by African stars! 🌍
🇱🇷 George Weah dribble & finish 🔥@PSG_English | #UCL pic.twitter.com/JjqEf6y2M1
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 1, 2021
Kaka vs Manchester United (2007)
Kaka appeared to glide when in full flight and a performance at Old Trafford in 2007 remains one of his most iconic.
The Brazilian burst through the home side’s defence, with the added aesthetic of Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze colliding making this all the more special.
That season saw Kaka peerless, winning the Ballon d’Or after inspiring AC Milan’s Champions League triumph.
🇧🇷 Brazilian superstar Kaká at Old Trafford #OTD in 2007 🔥🔥🔥#UCL | @KAKA pic.twitter.com/4VNwbRSEwS
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 24, 2019
Remembering the night that Kaka tore Manchester United apart
Lionel Messi vs Real Madrid (2011)
There are few stages bigger than an El Clásico Champions League semi-final. Not for the first time, Lionel Messi was the difference as the Spanish superpowers collided.
A mesmeric Messi run was finished perfectly to put Barcelona within touching distance of the final.
🔥 Magnificent Messi #OnThisDay in 2011 🔥 #UCL | @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/QbD1A0cFeS
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 27, 2019
Saul Niguez vs Bayern Munich (2016)
Atletico Madrid reached the Champions League final in 2016, beating Bayern Munich on away goals in a hard-fought semi-final.
Their 1-0 win in the first leg was provided by this moment of magic from Saul Niguez. The Spaniard weaved a route through the visitor’s defence to score a simply sublime goal.
🔴⚪️ Saúl Ñíguez magic #OTD in 2016…#UCL | @atletienglish pic.twitter.com/HfmI5w5npM
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 27, 2020
Micky van de Ven vs Copenhagen (2025)
A new entrant, Micky van de Ven is unlikely to score a better goal than this.
The Dutch defender turned on the burners to blitz through the Copenhagen defence this week, scoring a goal that perhaps no other centre-back in the game is capable of.
Catch him if you can.
If you haven’t seen Micky van de Ven’s solo goal yet watch this! 😱
…and if you have seen Micky van de Ven’s solo goal watch it again! 🤯#UCLGOTD | @Heineken pic.twitter.com/rvDUBeYZwG
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 4, 2025
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