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9 of the most outrageous backheel assists in football history: Guti, Ozil, Merino… Stars from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have delivered jaw-dropping backheel assists that leave fans in awe. Combining creativity, quick thinking, and bold flair, these players have etched their names into football lore with moments of pure genius. We’ve rounded up nine of the most audacious backheel assists that stole the spotlight from the goals they set up. These plays highlight the pinnacle of vision, skill, and technical brilliance. Below is a list of nine iconic backheel assists, featuring legends like Guti, Mesut Ozil, and Mikel Merino, drawn from various sources. Each entry includes the player, match, and a brief description of the assist, arranged chronologically where possible.
9 of the most outrageous backheel assists in football history: Guti, Ozil, Merino… Stars from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have delivered jaw-dropping backheel assists that leave fans in awe. Combining creativity, quick thinking, and bold flair, these players have etched their names into football lore with moments of pure genius. We’ve rounded up nine of the most audacious backheel assists that stole the spotlight from the goals they set up. These plays highlight the pinnacle of vision, skill, and technical brilliance. Below is a list of nine iconic backheel assists, featuring legends like Guti, Mesut Ozil, and Mikel Merino, drawn from various sources. Each entry includes the player, match, and a brief description of the assist, arranged chronologically where possible.
See also: The 10 players with the most red cards in football history
Guti (Real Madrid vs. Sevilla, 2006) Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Sevilla in La Liga. In Real Madrid's 4-2 La Liga victory over Sevilla in 2006, Guti delivered an unforgettable assist. Positioned 25 yards from goal after a cleared corner, he received the ball as Sevilla's defense pushed forward. With remarkable vision, Guti executed a pinpoint backheel through ball that sliced through the backline, perfectly finding Zinedine Zidane. Zidane struck the ball past goalkeeper Andrés Palop without needing a touch. The pass's sheer audacity and precision left the defense stunned, and Guti, thrilled by his own brilliance, celebrated the assist as teammates mobbed Zidane. The unexpected nature of the backheel from such a distance made it a legendary highlight in his career. VIDEO CREDIT:
Guti (Real Madrid vs. Sevilla, 2006) Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Sevilla in La Liga. In Real Madrid's 4-2 La Liga victory over Sevilla in 2006, Guti delivered an unforgettable assist. Positioned 25 yards from goal after a cleared corner, he received the ball as Sevilla's defense pushed forward. With remarkable vision, Guti executed a pinpoint backheel through ball that sliced through the backline, perfectly finding Zinedine Zidane. Zidane struck the ball past goalkeeper Andrés Palop without needing a touch. The pass's sheer audacity and precision left the defense stunned, and Guti, thrilled by his own brilliance, celebrated the assist as teammates mobbed Zidane. The unexpected nature of the backheel from such a distance made it a legendary highlight in his career. VIDEO CREDIT:
@realmadrid
Guti (Real Madrid vs. Deportivo La Coruña, 2010) Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory at Deportivo in La Liga, ending a 19-year winless streak at the Riazor. In Real Madrid's 3-1 La Liga win over Deportivo La Coruña in 2010, Guti delivered an iconic assist that ended a 19-year winless streak at the Riazor. During a counterattack, Kaká fed Guti, who sprinted toward goal with goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia advancing. Instead of shooting, Guti executed a no-look backheel pass to Karim Benzema, who scored into an open net. Dubbed "The backheel of God" by Marca, the assist stunned fans with its audacious flair and precision at full speed. The no-look move, with the keeper committed, cemented its place as one of football's greatest assists. Guti downplayed it as practical, not showboating, but its genius sparked debates over its ranking among legendary plays. The moment encapsulated Guti's unpredictable brilliance, making it a defining highlight of his career and Real Madrid's historic victory. VIDEO CREDIT:
Guti (Real Madrid vs. Deportivo La Coruña, 2010) Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory at Deportivo in La Liga, ending a 19-year winless streak at the Riazor. In Real Madrid's 3-1 La Liga win over Deportivo La Coruña in 2010, Guti delivered an iconic assist that ended a 19-year winless streak at the Riazor. During a counterattack, Kaká fed Guti, who sprinted toward goal with goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia advancing. Instead of shooting, Guti executed a no-look backheel pass to Karim Benzema, who scored into an open net. Dubbed "The backheel of God" by Marca, the assist stunned fans with its audacious flair and precision at full speed. The no-look move, with the keeper committed, cemented its place as one of football's greatest assists. Guti downplayed it as practical, not showboating, but its genius sparked debates over its ranking among legendary plays. The moment encapsulated Guti's unpredictable brilliance, making it a defining highlight of his career and Real Madrid's historic victory. VIDEO CREDIT:
@realmadriden
Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid vs. Ajax, 2010) Real Madrid’s 4-0 Champions League win over Ajax. In Real Madrid's 4-0 Champions League victory over Ajax in 2010, Mesut Ozil delivered an unforgettable assist that epitomized his genius. Receiving a slightly awkward pass in the penalty area with defenders converging, Ozil, under pressure, executed a stunning backheel. The spontaneous flick wrong footed Ajax's Eyong Enoh and Jan Vertonghen, the latter collapsing in disbelief, leaving Karim Benzema with a simple tap in. The audacity of choosing a backheel in such a high stakes match, combined with the precision to thread the ball through a crowded box, left fans and analysts in awe. Ozil's split second decision showcased his extraordinary vision and technical brilliance, cementing the moment as one of the most outrageous assists in Champions League history. This play remains a testament to Ozil's ability to transform a tense situation into a moment of pure magic. VIDEO CREDIT:
Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid vs. Ajax, 2010) Real Madrid’s 4-0 Champions League win over Ajax. In Real Madrid's 4-0 Champions League victory over Ajax in 2010, Mesut Ozil delivered an unforgettable assist that epitomized his genius. Receiving a slightly awkward pass in the penalty area with defenders converging, Ozil, under pressure, executed a stunning backheel. The spontaneous flick wrong footed Ajax's Eyong Enoh and Jan Vertonghen, the latter collapsing in disbelief, leaving Karim Benzema with a simple tap in. The audacity of choosing a backheel in such a high stakes match, combined with the precision to thread the ball through a crowded box, left fans and analysts in awe. Ozil's split second decision showcased his extraordinary vision and technical brilliance, cementing the moment as one of the most outrageous assists in Champions League history. This play remains a testament to Ozil's ability to transform a tense situation into a moment of pure magic. VIDEO CREDIT:
@ChampionsLeague
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal vs. Liverpool, 2019) Arsenal’s League Cup match at Anfield. In Arsenal's 2019 League Cup match at Anfield against Liverpool, Mesut Ozil delivered a stunning assist that showcased his creative brilliance. Following a Liverpool mistake, Ainsley Maitland-Niles sent the ball wide, appearing destined to go out of play. With his back to the goal and under pressure, Ozil instinctively executed a delicate backheel, redirecting the ball perfectly into Maitland-Niles’ path, who then scored. This moment of genius, blending exceptional awareness and technical finesse, transformed a near-lost opportunity into a goal. The assist sparked widespread admiration on social media, with fans and analysts hailing Ozil’s vision and composure in the high-stakes atmosphere of Anfield. This play encapsulated why Ozil was regarded as one of football’s most gifted playmakers, capable of producing magic in the most challenging moments.
Juan Mata (Manchester United, 2015) Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League match. In a 2015 UEFA Champions League match, Juan Mata showcased his brilliance for Manchester United with a stunning assist. Operating in tight space, Mata executed a deft backheeled flick to set up Chris Smalling for an unmissable goal. The precision and flair of the pass turned the moment into a viral sensation, earning praise from UEFA’s official channels. Mata’s confidence to attempt such an audacious move in a high pressure European game highlighted his creativity and skill, making the assist a standout in his career. This outrageous display of technique not only secured a goal but also cemented Mata’s reputation as a player capable of producing magic under pressure. The moment remains a celebrated highlight, encapsulating the artistry that Mata brought to Manchester United’s midfield during the match. VIDEO CREDIT:
Mesut Ozil (Arsenal vs. Liverpool, 2019) Arsenal’s League Cup match at Anfield. In Arsenal's 2019 League Cup match at Anfield against Liverpool, Mesut Ozil delivered a stunning assist that showcased his creative brilliance. Following a Liverpool mistake, Ainsley Maitland-Niles sent the ball wide, appearing destined to go out of play. With his back to the goal and under pressure, Ozil instinctively executed a delicate backheel, redirecting the ball perfectly into Maitland-Niles’ path, who then scored. This moment of genius, blending exceptional awareness and technical finesse, transformed a near-lost opportunity into a goal. The assist sparked widespread admiration on social media, with fans and analysts hailing Ozil’s vision and composure in the high-stakes atmosphere of Anfield. This play encapsulated why Ozil was regarded as one of football’s most gifted playmakers, capable of producing magic in the most challenging moments.
Juan Mata (Manchester United, 2015) Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League match. In a 2015 UEFA Champions League match, Juan Mata showcased his brilliance for Manchester United with a stunning assist. Operating in tight space, Mata executed a deft backheeled flick to set up Chris Smalling for an unmissable goal. The precision and flair of the pass turned the moment into a viral sensation, earning praise from UEFA’s official channels. Mata’s confidence to attempt such an audacious move in a high pressure European game highlighted his creativity and skill, making the assist a standout in his career. This outrageous display of technique not only secured a goal but also cemented Mata’s reputation as a player capable of producing magic under pressure. The moment remains a celebrated highlight, encapsulating the artistry that Mata brought to Manchester United’s midfield during the match. VIDEO CREDIT:
@ChampionsLeague
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City, 2015) Leicester City’s Premier League campaign during their title-winning season. In Leicester City’s remarkable 2015 Premier League title winning season, Riyad Mahrez showcased his brilliance with a stunning assist against Swansea City. Mahrez executed a perfectly weighted backheel pass to Andy King, who scored effortlessly. This one touch assist, delivered with pinpoint accuracy in a tight space, epitomized Leicester’s fearless and dynamic style during their historic campaign. The casual yet precise execution of the pass highlighted Mahrez’s flair and creativity, making the moment a standout in a high stakes title race. His ability to produce such magic under pressure underscored why he was a key figure in Leicester’s improbable triumph, cementing his reputation as a player capable of turning matches with moments of genius. This assist remains a testament to Mahrez’s skill and Leicester’s unforgettable journey to Premier League glory
Kylian Mbappé (PSG vs. Lens, 2023) PSG’s Ligue 1 match against Lens. In a 2023 Ligue 1 clash between PSG and Lens, Kylian Mbappé delivered a moment of pure brilliance. During a fluid team move, he executed a audacious backheel pass to Lionel Messi, who calmly slotted the ball home. The assist, described as tastier than an almond croissant, stole the spotlight from Messi’s finish due to its cheeky flair and pinpoint precision. Mbappé’s decision to use such a flamboyant technique to set up one of football’s greatest players left fans and pundits in awe. The seamless coordination and confidence in pulling off this move against a strong Lens side underscored Mbappé’s extraordinary talent and vision. This jaw dropping moment encapsulated why he’s regarded as one of the game’s brightest stars, capable of producing magic that overshadows even the most iconic names in the sport.
Jaunzema (Pogon Szczecin vs. Stal Mielec, 2023) Polish Ekstraklasa match. In a 2023 Polish Ekstraklasa match between Pogon Szczecin and Stal Mielec, Jaunzema delivered a jaw-dropping assist that became a viral sensation. With remarkable skill, he executed a mid-air backheel to set up Ilya Shkurin, showcasing a "filthy" display of creativity and flair. The airborne execution amplified the difficulty, leaving spectators in awe and highlighting the universal appeal of such acrobatic brilliance. This moment, from a lesser-known league, underscored Jaunzema's ability to produce world-class highlights, captivating football fans globally with its audacity and precision. The assist's outrageous nature lies in its rare combination of technical mastery and improvisational genius, making it a standout play in the 2023 season.
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Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City, 2015) Leicester City’s Premier League campaign during their title-winning season. In Leicester City’s remarkable 2015 Premier League title winning season, Riyad Mahrez showcased his brilliance with a stunning assist against Swansea City. Mahrez executed a perfectly weighted backheel pass to Andy King, who scored effortlessly. This one touch assist, delivered with pinpoint accuracy in a tight space, epitomized Leicester’s fearless and dynamic style during their historic campaign. The casual yet precise execution of the pass highlighted Mahrez’s flair and creativity, making the moment a standout in a high stakes title race. His ability to produce such magic under pressure underscored why he was a key figure in Leicester’s improbable triumph, cementing his reputation as a player capable of turning matches with moments of genius. This assist remains a testament to Mahrez’s skill and Leicester’s unforgettable journey to Premier League glory
Kylian Mbappé (PSG vs. Lens, 2023) PSG’s Ligue 1 match against Lens. In a 2023 Ligue 1 clash between PSG and Lens, Kylian Mbappé delivered a moment of pure brilliance. During a fluid team move, he executed a audacious backheel pass to Lionel Messi, who calmly slotted the ball home. The assist, described as tastier than an almond croissant, stole the spotlight from Messi’s finish due to its cheeky flair and pinpoint precision. Mbappé’s decision to use such a flamboyant technique to set up one of football’s greatest players left fans and pundits in awe. The seamless coordination and confidence in pulling off this move against a strong Lens side underscored Mbappé’s extraordinary talent and vision. This jaw dropping moment encapsulated why he’s regarded as one of the game’s brightest stars, capable of producing magic that overshadows even the most iconic names in the sport.
Jaunzema (Pogon Szczecin vs. Stal Mielec, 2023) Polish Ekstraklasa match. In a 2023 Polish Ekstraklasa match between Pogon Szczecin and Stal Mielec, Jaunzema delivered a jaw-dropping assist that became a viral sensation. With remarkable skill, he executed a mid-air backheel to set up Ilya Shkurin, showcasing a "filthy" display of creativity and flair. The airborne execution amplified the difficulty, leaving spectators in awe and highlighting the universal appeal of such acrobatic brilliance. This moment, from a lesser-known league, underscored Jaunzema's ability to produce world-class highlights, captivating football fans globally with its audacity and precision. The assist's outrageous nature lies in its rare combination of technical mastery and improvisational genius, making it a standout play in the 2023 season.
Mikel Merino (Arsenal vs. Ipswich, 2024)
Arsenal’s Premier League match at Portman Road.
In Arsenal's 2024 Premier League clash at Ipswich's Portman Road, Mikel Merino delivered a stunning assist that stole the show. Playing as an emergency striker, Merino executed a daring backheel pass to Gabriel Martinelli, who scored to double Arsenal's lead.
Described as borderline censorious, the assist drew comparisons to Guti and Ozil for its audacity and flair. Commentators praised Arsenal's ruthless attack, with Merino's pass slicing through Ipswich's defense.
The moment was a modern classic, highlighting Merino's remarkable skill and composure under pressure, especially out of his natural position. His ability to produce such a moment in a high stakes match underscored his versatility and cemented the assist as one of the season's standout plays, earning widespread acclaim for its creativity and execution.
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