Last update 18 February, 2025 by Alberto Llopis
Who are the best finishers head of history?
The head auction is an art in football, a skill that few dominate and that can define the fate of a party. A head -on goal is a precision sample, Timing and courage, Essential elements in air game. Hoy, We present a tour of the best headers in the history of football, A deep analysis that covers from the greats of yesteryear to modern icons.
The magic of the header in football
Air auction is one of the most valued skills in football, since it allows to transform a cross ball into a decisive goal. The ability to connect an almost perfect auction with the testa requires coordination, strength and, above all, Field Intelligence. Not all players have the technique to master this aspect, And that is why each aerial goal becomes an unforgettable show.
The best header in history
Carlos Santillana
Carlos Santillana es, definitely, One of the most remembered names when we talk about head auction in Spanish football. During the decade of the 80, This striker of Real Madrid became the referent of the air game.
His ability to jump and connect every ball that he found in the air made it practically unstoppable. At a time when physical force was not so predominant, Santillana's elegance and precision at the head auction showed that football could also be won with technique. Every time Santillana looked to rise to finish off, Fans knew they were about to witness a great quality goal.
Ivan Zamorano
When the head auction is mentioned, We cannot forget Ivan Zamorano. The Chilean, nicknamed “BAM BAM”, is recognized for its ability to score head goals despite not having an imposing stature. His jump technique and excellent positioning allowed him to rise and win many aerial duels. Zamorano showed in each game that power and timing can overcome at the height, And his ability to score head goals made him one of the most lethal strikers in this specialty.
Martin Palermo
Martin Palermo It is synonymous with air goals in Argentine football. It is said that 40% From his goals they came from head topped, A fact that reflects your mastery in air game. His stage in Boca Juniors It is remembered for the intensity and passion with which it was thrown into the attack.
The experience in the volleyball during his youth gave him a special technique, that allowed him to make precise and lethal heads. One of the most remembered episodes was that party in which, In a confrontation against the Levante in 2001, A wall fell on him, Marking one of the most unusual moments of his career, But that he did not tarnish his brilliant ability to score head goals.
Jared Borgetti
The Mexican Jared Borgetti It is another name that resonates in the historical list of the dominators of the header. Not only is the Maximum scorer of the Mexican National Team, but his abilities in the area made him a true threat in international parties.
His ability to win air balls and his scoring instinct made him feared for rival defenses. One of his most remembered goals is one who “plugged” Buffon during a World Cup match of 2002, A moment that is still commented on in football gatherings.
Telmo Zarra
Telmo Zarra es, for many, The first great Spanish striker who knew how to make the most of the air game. During the years 50, at a time when the balls were almost a stone and the conditions were very different from those of today, Zarra was not afraid to finish off.
His skill in aerial duels and his ability to score goals with Testa have made him a historical figure. Your performance in crucial matches, Even under adverse conditions, It is still a reason for admiration among fans. He was so good to finish off that he was nicknamed “The best head in Europe after Churchill”.
Techniques and strategies to execute the head auction well
The head auction requires a combination of factors:
- Perfect synchronization: The exact moment of the jump is crucial to connect the ball with precision.
- Positioning: Winning the air battle depends largely on the positioning and the anticipation of where the ball will arrive.
- Strength and precision: The technique to direct the ball to the correct angle is a skill that few dominate.
- Training and experience: The best headers have perfected their technique through years of practice and experience in high -level matches.