“Hand of God” Argentine footballer Diego Maradona (left) scoring with his hand past English goalkeeper Peter Shilton. (more) Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Maradona’s “Hand of God” Written by Tushaar Kuthiala Tushaar Kuthiala has over a decade of experience in news media, content creation, and digital marketing. Over the course of his career, Tushaar has written features and articles...

　　 　　Wally Funk, history-maker Aviator and astronaut Wally Funk speaking at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in 2022. A year earlier, Funk had become the oldest woman to go to space. (more) Wally Funk Oldest woman to go to space Also known as: Mary Wallace Funk Written by Adam Volle Adam Volle is a freelance writer and editor...

　　 　　Brazil at the World Cup Brazilian fans cheering at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil, June 12, 2014. Brazil is the only country to qualify for every edition of the World Cup since the tournament's inauguration in 1930. (more) Which National Teams Have Participated in the FIFA World Cup? Written...

　　 　　Pavard's goal French defender Benjamin Pavard's goal against Argentina in the 2018 FIFA World Cup was voted the Goal of the Tournament. (more) Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Benjamin Pavard’s Perfect Strike Written by Gitanjali Roy Gitanjali Roy is deputy managing editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over two decades of editorial experience across digital and broadcast media. Gitanjali Roy...

　　 　　Geoff Hurst's ghost goal English striker Geoff Hurst scored a controversial extra-time goal against West Germany in the final match of the 1966 FIFA World Cup. (more) Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Geoff Hurst’s Ghost Goal Written by Gitanjali Roy Gitanjali Roy is deputy managing editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over two decades of editorial experience across digital and...

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　　 　　English footballer David Beckham Considered one of football's elite players, David Beckham became known for his iconic “bending” technique, striking the ball with precise spin to produce dramatic, seemingly impossible curves in flight. The 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham was named in homage to his kicking ability. (more) Why Does a Football Swerve? Written by Kara Rogers Kara...

　　 　　2010 World Cup in South Africa: Spain's players celebrating victory Members of Spain's national football (soccer) team celebrating their victory in the FIFA World Cup final, held in Johannesburg, July 11, 2010. (more) List of Greatest Men’s Football (Soccer) Players Written by Andrew Pereira Andrew Pereira is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. He covers a variety of topics,...

　　List of the Tallest NBA Players Written by Amy Tikkanen Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. Amy Tikkanen Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated June 2,...

　　 　　Pelé the legend In 1958 Brazil's Pelé, all of 17, became the youngest player to score in the final of a FIFA World Cup. (more) Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Teen Prodigy Pelé Written by Gitanjali Roy Gitanjali Roy is deputy managing editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over two decades of editorial experience across digital and broadcast media. Gitanjali...

　　 　　Sara Cohen Freida McFadden attending the 2026 Time100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2026 in New York City. Earlier that month, she revealed her real identity as Sara Cohen, a New York City-based neurosurgeon. (more) Freida McFadden American novelist and physician Also known as: Sara Cohen Written by Laura Payne Laura Payne is a freelance...

　　 　　Luka Modrić, Copa del Rey final Real Madrid and Croatian footballer Luka Modrić in action during the April 2025 Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona, in Seville, Spain. (more) Luka Modrić Croatian football player Written by Sanat Pai Raikar Sanat Pai Raikar is a quizmaster and writer based out of Bangalore, India. His first quiz book, Three's A...