Which footballers have ended scoring droughts with a goal off their backside?

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 8, 2026

Oli McBurnie has rejoined the Scotland national team amid scrutiny over his scoreless streak in 20 matches, humorously expressing openness to ending the drought with an unconventional goal. Historical examples show that goals deflected off players' backsides, while rare, have occasionally been decisive in matches and carried notable significance for clubs and countries.

Oli McBurnie has returned to the Scotland national football team amid ongoing discussions about his goal-scoring record, which stands at zero goals in 20 appearances. Recently, McBurnie remarked that ending his scoring drought with a “tap-in” or even a goal off his backside would be welcome. This prompted an exploration into the rarity and history of goals scored in such unusual fashion.

While no instances were found of a prolific striker ending a lengthy goal drought with a goal post deflection off the backside, several players have registered notable goals in this unconventional manner. Dean Coney, playing for Norwich City in 1989, scored his only goal for the club when an opposition clearance rebounded off his backside and went into the net during a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

A similar occurrence took place on the international stage when Australian player Robbie Slater, a Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers, scored his first goal for the Socceroos against the Solomon Islands. The goal, which came in the 1997 World Cup qualifying campaign, deflected off Slater’s backside, contributing to a 6-2 victory. The contrast in quality from England's Paul Gascoigne’s celebrated goals the previous year to this fortuitous strike was noted with some irony by then coach Terry Venables.

One particularly consequential goal came in May 2002 at Ninian Park during the English Football League playoff semi-final. Souleymane Oularé, a Guinean forward for Stoke City, scored the winning goal in extra time against Cardiff City when a free-kick struck his backside before crossing the line. This goal helped Stoke overturn a first-leg deficit and eventually triumph in the playoff final, securing promotion. Oularé’s career at the club was limited, however, as he had only recently returned from a near-season-ending blood clot and played under 90 minutes in total for Stoke.

More recently, Arsenal defender William Saliba registered a goal deflected off his backside against Manchester United during the 2024-25 season. Similarly, Thierno Barry scored with a back-heel deflection to secure Everton’s victory at St James’ Park last season. In the Women’s Super League, Chelsea’s Sjoeke Nüsken benefited from a significant deflection in a key match against Arsenal in March 2024, though it is uncertain if the ball definitively struck her backside or leg.

Lastly, a controversial and memorable goal from 2010 at Tannadice saw David Robertson score the decisive goal that ended Rangers’ hopes of completing a domestic treble with a Scottish Cup quarter-final loss to Dundee United. The exact nature of Robertson’s goal remains debated, but it is often cited among notable “backside” goals in football history.

These instances highlight the occasional quirky and unpredictable moments that can affect outcomes in football, demonstrating that even goals scored in unorthodox ways can hold significant meaning for teams and players.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.