The most iconic moments in football from the 2010s include Iniesta’s World Cup winner in 2010, Aguero’s last-gasp title goal in 2012, Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil in 2014, Leicester City’s 5000-1 title in 2016 and Barcelona’s 6-1 comeback against PSG in 2017. These are the nine moments that defined the decade.
The 2010s gave football some of its biggest shocks, comebacks and farewells. Some moments were joyful, one was a scandal, and a few still come up every time fans argue about the greatest games ever played.
We have listed them in date order so you can follow how the decade unfolded.
Also read15 Comforting Films You Can Watch After The Team You Are Supporting Loses The Match!
Quick list: the 9 moments at a glance
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Iniesta wins the World Cup for Spain |
| 2011 | Barcelona beat Manchester United in the Champions League final |
| 2012 | Aguero’s injury time title winner for Manchester City |
| 2013 | Sir Alex Ferguson says goodbye |
| 2014 | Germany 7, Brazil 1 |
| 2015 | FIFA corruption scandal |
| 2016 | Leicester City win the Premier League |
| 2017 | Barcelona’s La Remontada against PSG |
| 2018 | Ronaldo’s bicycle kick in Turin |
The 9 most iconic moments in football in the 2010s
1. 2010: Iniesta wins the World Cup for Spain
The final against the Netherlands at Soccer City in Johannesburg on 11 July 2010 was rough and tense. Referee Howard Webb showed 14 yellow cards, a record for a World Cup final, and John Heitinga was sent off in extra time.
In the 116th minute Andres Iniesta scored the only goal. Spain won their first World Cup and became the first European team to win the tournament outside Europe.
2. 2011: Barcelona run riot in the Champions League final
Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona met Manchester United at Wembley on 28 May 2011 and won 3-1, with goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and David Villa. Wayne Rooney had equalised for United.
It was Guardiola’s second Champions League as a manager, and many still call that side the best club team of the modern era.
3. 2012: Aguero’s title-winning goal
On the final day of the 2011-12 Premier League season, Manchester City were losing 2-1 at home to QPR going into injury time. Edin Dzeko equalised, and then Sergio Aguero scored in the 94th minute to make it 3-2.
City won the league on goal difference over Manchester United. Commentator Martin Tyler’s shout of “Aguerooooo” is part of football history.
4. 2013: Football says goodbye to Sir Alex
Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement in May 2013 after more than 26 years at Manchester United. He signed off with a final home game at Old Trafford and a speech to the crowd, having just won his 13th league title with the club.
United have not won the Premier League since he left, which is why his exit still feels like the end of an era.
5. 2014: Germany humiliate Brazil in Belo Horizonte
The World Cup semi-final on 8 July 2014 is the most shocking result on this list. Hosts Brazil, without the injured Neymar, were 5-0 down inside 30 minutes and lost 7-1 to Germany.
Miroslav Klose scored in that game to become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals. Germany went on to beat Argentina in the final.
6. 2015: FIFA corruption scandal rocks football
On 27 May 2015, Swiss police arrested seven FIFA officials at a hotel in Zurich at the request of the US Department of Justice. Many more officials and businessmen were charged in the months after.
In December 2015, FIFA’s ethics committee banned president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini for eight years over a 2 million Swiss franc payment, later cut to six years on appeal. A Swiss court acquitted both of fraud in 2022, and they were acquitted again on appeal in March 2025.
7. 2016: Leicester’s Premier League fairytale
Leicester City started the 2015-16 season as 5000-1 outsiders. Under Claudio Ranieri they won the league with 81 points, 10 clear of Arsenal, and the title was confirmed on 2 May 2016 when Tottenham drew at Chelsea.
Jamie Vardy scored 24 league goals and set a record by scoring in 11 games in a row. Riyad Mahrez became the first African player to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
8. 2017: Barcelona’s La Remontada
Barcelona lost the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie 4-0 in Paris. In the return leg at Camp Nou on 8 March 2017, they won 6-1.
Neymar scored twice late on and Sergi Roberto got the winner in stoppage time. It remains the biggest comeback in Champions League knockout history.
9. 2018: Ronaldo’s bicycle kick against Juventus
In the Champions League quarter-final first leg in Turin on 3 April 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo scored with an overhead kick from well above head height. Even Juventus fans stood and applauded.
Real Madrid won that game 3-0 and went on to win their third straight Champions League, beating Liverpool 3-1 in Kyiv. The goal is still the one most fans pick as the goal of the decade.
Where these stories stand in 2026
Several of these moments look even bigger now. Manchester United are still waiting for a league title since Ferguson left in 2013. Blatter’s FIFA ban runs until 2027, despite his acquittals in Swiss courts.
For more sport and pop culture lists, browse our listicles. If you like true stories on screen, our series section covers the best football documentaries and shows.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most iconic moment in football in the 2010s?
Most fans pick Germany’s 7-1 win over Brazil in 2014 or Leicester City’s 2016 title. Aguero’s 2012 winner is also a common answer.
Who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final?
Andres Iniesta scored in the 116th minute as Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Johannesburg.
What were Leicester City’s odds to win the Premier League?
Bookmakers had Leicester at 5000-1 before the 2015-16 season began.
What was the score of Barcelona vs PSG in La Remontada?
Barcelona won the second leg 6-1, after losing the first leg 4-0, to go through 6-5 on aggregate.
Sources: Wikipedia: 2010 FIFA World Cup final, Wikipedia: Leicester City 2015-16 season, Wikipedia: 2015 FIFA corruption case, Wikipedia: Sepp Blatter.
