‘It was like Lionel Messi’: Van de Ven runs 90 meters for stunning solo goal in Champions League
Original Publication Date: November 4, 2025 1:46PM
Publication Updated: November 4, 2025 2:46PM
LONDON (AP) — With a mazy 90-meter run and clinical finish, Micky van de Ven might have already scored the goal of the season in the Champions League.
The Tottenham defender collected the ball on the edge of his own area and set off on a dazzling run that saw him burst through two FC Copenhagen players, go round another near the halfway line, then surge into the area before curling a left-footed shot inside the near post.
The 64th-minute solo goal made it 3-0 to Tottenham and was Van de Ven’s sixth goal already this season.
Not bad for a center back.
“To be honest, I saw a little gap in front of me so I was like, ‘OK, I start dribbling now and see if they catch up,’” the Netherlands international said. “I saw the space every time, more and more, and I felt like I’m through now and I go for goal.
“I just felt I could keep going and going. And I did.”
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was fulsome with his praise.
“That could be goal of the season, definitely,” Frank said. “It was like Lionel Messi transformed into a center back.”
Tottenham wound up winning 4-0.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
