SIGN UP FOR NEWS

The UEFA Champions League is arguably the most prestigious of football competitions. Fans around the world hum the theme tune, hoping their team will make it big to the finals.

Everyone has their own favourite moment from the last 22 years of the competition; the moment that had them on the edge of their seats. Most are probably epic goals.

The early days of the Champions League saw very few Africans on these teams but, as the years have gone by, more have joined and we’ve seen a number of incredible moments by players from the continent. Here’s a countdown of some impressive goal-scoring from a few of them:

8.
Kolo Touré (Arsenal versus Villarreal, 2006)

The semi-final between Arsenal and Villarreal had a distinct lack of goals but a number of incidents.

Kolo Touré of Arsenal is mobbed by team mates Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Arsenal and Villarreal in 2006 © Getty Images

The only goal of the match scored by the Ivorian defender, put Arsenal in their first-ever Champions League Final.

7.
Jean Makoun (Lyon versus Real Madrid, 2010)

Before their victory in 2014, Real Madrid were going through a relatively barren spell in the Champions League.

Jean Makoun of Lyon celebrates his goal with Sidney Govou during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Lyon and Real Madrid, at Stade de Gerland in 2010 © Getty Images

One of the low points of that period was a surprising knockout by Lyon in 2010. The lone goal of the tie was scored by Cameroonian midfielder Jean Makoun, who chose the greatest of moments to unleash a long-range effort.

6.
Michael Essien (Valencia versus Chelsea, 2007)

Football commentators love using the phrase ‘he isn’t a great goal-scorer, he’s a scorer of great goals.’

Michael Essien of Chelsea celebrates scoring Chelsea’s second goal of the game with team mate Michael Ballack during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Valencia and Chelsea in 2010 © Getty Images

These players aren’t particularly prolific but score special goals that make the crowd go wild. Michael Essien has probably heard that cliché more times than the song Azonto because he definitely falls into that category of player. Evidence below.

5.
Didier Drogba (Liverpool versus Chelsea, 2008)

The 2008 Champions League final was not a joyous occasion for the striker.

Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates with Ricardo Carvalho as he scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final 2nd leg match between Chelsea and Liverpool in 2008 © Getty Images

He was sent off in extra-time before John Terry’s infamous penalty miss led to Man Utd’s victory. However, he was great in the preceding round, scoring a brace to put the team into the finals for the first time.

4.
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona versus Man Utd, 2009)

Samuel Eto’o doesn’t care if he’s playing a big game or a kick-around in his back garden; he gives it his all everytime.

Samuel Eto’o and Bojan Krkic celebrate at the Nou Camp stadium after Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League Cup final in 2009 in Barcelona © Getty Images

His efforts have been significant in numerous Champions League victories, including the 2009 triumph.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ost90DnkjOA#t=48s

3.
Basile Boli (Marseille versus Milan, 1993)

Adebi Ayew Pele was destined for greatness at a young age and so was bestowed with the ‘Pele’ addition to his name. Probably made it a lot easier for him to get restaurant reservations!

Basile Boli of Marseille celebrates with a team mate after victory in the Champions League match against Club Brugge in 1993 © Getty Images

Adebi Ayew Pele set up this winning goal for Ivorian-born defender Basile Boli during the ’93 Champions League final. Great teamwork!

2.
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona versus Arsenal, 2006)

Samuel Eto’o’s first Champions League success came in the 2006 final against Arsenal.

Samuel Eto’o celebrates scoring the equalising goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Arsenal and Barcelona in 2006 © Getty Images

After the Gunners took an early lead, he assisted the fight back with a 76th-minute strike. Fortunately for Arsene Wenger, the final was held in Paris and so he could just go home and have an early night.

1.
Didier Drogba (Bayern Munich versus Chelsea, 2012)

You couldn’t have written a better scripted goodbye to Chelsea for the 2012 final.

Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during UEFA Champions League Final between FC Bayern Munich and Chelsea in 2012 © Getty Images

After equalising late in regulation time, Didier was given the last penalty to seal the tie for Chelsea (luckily John Terry was not on the pitch) in what was his last match for the team (that is until he returned last season).

There you have it, some highlights but definitely not a complete list of the best goals in the Champions League.