The Corner Kick’s Rare Magic
In football a corner kick generally means danger: a chance to set up a header or a scramble near goal. But every now and then, a player bends the ball straight into the net from the corner flag with no one else touching it. That extraordinary feat is known as an Olimpico goal — sometimes called “Olympic goal.
Scoring directly from a corner is difficult. It requires perfect spin, angle and often sometimes a stroke of luck: curl the ball just right, the goalkeeper misjudge, maybe a gust of wind helps — and suddenly the net bulges. It rarely happens, which is why these goals become instantly memorable.
The 1924 Rule Change and Football History
Why the name “Olimpico”? It traces back to 1924 — the year International Football Association Board (IFAB) changed the rules to allow goals to be scored directly from corner kicks. In that same year, Argentine winger Cesáreo Onzari pulled off the first officially recognised direct-from-corner goal during a friendly against Uruguay national football team, who had recently claimed Olympic gold. That historic strike instantly earned the name “gol olímpico,” and the name stuck.
Since then the phenomenon has been enshrined in football folklore. Even though people once said the goal was lucky, many now recognize it requires exceptional skill — curl, precision, and audacity.
What Makes an Olimpico So Difficult
- Trajectory and spin: The taker must apply just the right curve so the ball bends toward goal rather than drifting wide.
- Goalkeeper positioning: The keeper often expects a cross, not a direct shot — but must be alert enough to react.
- External conditions: Wind, rain, stadium geometry, crowd pressure — all can influence the flight.
- Timing and confidence: Many players don’t even attempt it because the odds are low. Attempting it takes guts, technique, and sometimes a sense of opportunism.
Because of these factors, most corners are aimed toward players, not the net. That is what makes an Olimpico so special — it flips expectations.
Famous Olimpicos and Their Legacy
Over the decades, Olimpico goals have stayed rare but legendary. Every time one lands — whether in a local league, a major European match, or an international fixture — it grabs attention. Players are celebrated, highlight reels explode, and fans remember the moment for years.
The term “Olimpico” itself reflects a slice of football history — a tribute to that first goal in 1924 and the lasting rule change that made it possible.
Even now, when a corner kick curls directly into the net, commentators still declare “Olimpico!” and fans erupt, reminded of the audacity, the skill, and the history behind that single swing of the boot.
Why the Olimpico Still Matters
In an era where tactics, analytics and physical training dominate, the Olimpico remains a symbol of pure unpredictability and flair — a reminder that football is as much about instinct, creativity, and split-second brilliance as it is about structure.
Every time a player attempts it, there is drama. Every time it succeeds, it becomes part of the game’s rich tapestry — a moment that shows that sometimes football’s greatest magic comes from the simplest circumstance: a corner flag, a spinning ball, and a dream to score.
If you want to see some of the most memorable Olimpicos in history — from Onzari’s first strike to modern instances — join us in our next post where we dive into five of the greatest ever recorded.
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