Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick in the Manchester derby in February 2011 has officially been voted as the greatest Premier League goal. The England international acrobatically volleyed home a beautiful cross from Nani before the 80th-minute to help Manchester United win their historic 19th league title. The award itself is the first in a series to commemorate 20 seasons of the Premier League.
Football fans from all over the world voted in the poll which Rooney’s strike collected 26% of the total votes cast. Bergkamp’s beautiful turn and finish against Newcastle came second with 19%, and Henry’s volley against United finished third on 15%. I was surprised not to have seen Di Canio’s scissor kick against Wimbledon get a mention in the top three, but that’s neither here nor there.
After receiving the award, Rooney said: “I grew up watching the Premier League so to be voted the best goal in the history of the Premier League is a great feeling. There’s so many good goals in that shortlist, goals that I watched in my living room as a kid: Alan Shearer’s goal, Paolo Di Canio’s, Tony Yeboah’s, David Beckham’s. To be competing with them and winning is a great honour for me and something I’m very proud of. I’d like to say a big thank you to all the fans that voted for me.”
