Was this the best goal ever in European competition?

 Read Zidane's post-match reaction here

World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane confirmed his status as footballing superstar by scoring a goal that was not only of massive importance, but also sublime in brilliance.

With Real locked at 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusan at the end of the first half, the teams looked to be going to half time with honours even.

But Zidane's stunner just before the break gave Bayer the shock from which they couldn't recover.

As the Spaniards partied the night away in Glasgow, Zidane said that the moment came second only to winning the 1998 World Cup with France.

Was this Europe's best ever goal?

Greatest goal - not a chance. World class goal yes, although Zidane should take a look at Di Stefano who played in his position. Now he could score goals like that week in week out - and with a much heavier ball!
Steve, UK

Yes, it was the best goal even in European competition, it was a piece of art from the best artist in the world today, thank you Zidane for the pleasure you are giving us.
Miloud Benzerga, USA

Zidane's goal was one that would make anyone say 'wow!'. The artist made a masterpiece in the final game and he will be named best player of the year again and again.
Nadjib Aktouf, Yemen

There is no doubt about it. That was the best goal, well controlled. Remember, it was coming from a very awkward angle, but with his first touch he got it straight to the net.
Mageba Harris Zulu, South Africa

It is certainly true that there have been a great number of important goals scored in prestigious competitions, like the ones netted by Pele, Maradona, and the like.

But the one scored by Zinedane Zidane, was indeed a masterpiece - considering the perfection with which he kicked the ball. With this goal added to his record, Zidane has certainly written his name in the pages of football history.
Varney Soko Clarke, Liberia

The goal would have been 'good' in a regular game. But, to score a goal like that, at the highest level of club football, is nothing short of great. It's the mark of a great player to do things like that in situations like that. Zidane seems to be making a habit of it...
Steve 'O', USA

There is always some element of luck in goals like that. If there wasn't, he would score ten a game.
Andrew, New Zealand

No, it was not the greatest goal of all time. There is no such thing as greatest of all time when there are still matches to be played. What it was was a stroke of genius from the most exciting player in the world today at the highest level of club football in resplendent Glasgow! Savour this one friends, they come far in between, maybe never in one's lifetime!
Misheck Nyirenda, Canada

Not really. A better goalkeeper may even have saved it!
Rajeev Pai, India

Nonsense. That was not the best goal ever scored. It was world-class, yes, but just because it was scored yesterday and it was scored by Zidane, it's fresh and it's hyped-up. If Dion Dublin had scored the exact same goal for Aston Villa against, say, Bolton, no-one would be saying it was the world's best-ever goal. Besides, Zidane wasn't even marked. He had time to pivot and shoot.
Ed, Kent, UK

This Zidane's business is being carried too far. His goal is not even the best in this season's champions league, let alone to merit the high-price tag of "all time best". Goals by Van Basten, Bergkamp, Beckham, etc, were scored with sheer masterful skills, not just by having all the time in the world to volley a hot shot home, which tonnes of players have done over the years.

It was okay but the best European goal should be a move worked from the back that involves multiple passes and a clinical finish - not a single good touch. The hype surrounding Zidane is the only reason people are talking of this goal in this way.
Roger, Senegal (French national)

Definitely not the best. Players score better volleys the whole time - even in the preliminary rounds. Everyone is getting totally carried away because it's Zidane: if Leverkusen's Neuville had scored it, no-one would be making such a fuss.
Karlos, Germany

Maybe not the best goal ever, but probably one of them, especially considering the pressure and importance of the situation, not to mention the quality of the opposition.
Gary Campbell, Scotland

Might not be the best, but is up there with the great ones. Also, remember Zidane is right footed and took it with the left. But the goal is only a chunk of the talent he displayed yesterday. Every time he touched the ball he was gifting us with truly amazing eye candies and I believe he only made two or three bad passes. What a player!
Gygmy, UK

Zidane is the greatest footballer ever - he always scores great goals in the most important games and he has more skill than Pele or Eusebio.
Richard, UK

No, but probably the best Champions League goal. Zidane is powerful with his volleys, but there were no players close by. Probably the opposition was waiting for this brilliant goal.
Sanjoy, India

Yes, just looking at the execution, it was not easy to connect and guide it into the top corner from that distance, and with the goalkeeper well positioned. If not the best of all time, then definitely the best of the tournament.
Munyaradzi Majonga, UK

Great goal, but how many of those has Zidane hit in practice, only to see them go screaming over the bar? Loads, I should imagine. Wednesday night's strike was just a combination of skill and luck.
Rich, UK

Yes, it was simply Zidane at his best. He scored from one of the most difficult positions. He is still the best footballer in Europe. Look for more in the coming World Cup.
William Olenasha, Tanzania

A truly majestic strike from the most talented player in the world at present.
Ajmal Tanha, Spain

Who else could score that goal?
Colin, UK

YES, and a big YES for that matter. The goal was a super goal from a super man. Finally, watch out Ronaldo, as you claim to be ready for revenge against the mighty France.
Jobs, The Gambia

Isn't it, wasn't? Small boys in the park. Jumpers for for goal posts. I've scored plenty of goals as good as if not better than that, only difference was they weren't in a major cup final in front of millions of people. Brilliant Goal.
Blair King, UK

I think is the second best ever. The first would be Raul's goal in Manchester in 2000.
Rafa, Spain

Zidane's goal was world class! He shows why he is the best footballer in the world. Zidane will shine for France in the World Cup!
Nemo, England

Zidane does it again on the big stage. Yes, people score good goals every week but only a few in CL Finals and World Cup Finals! It takes skill to make space when man marked!
Tony Nunes, UK

What a goal! Simply breathtaking by Zidane! Who better than the King of Football to clinch the crowning glory for a wonder side celebrating their centenary season...Zidane and Real will both go down in history and quite rightly so.

But still, who can argue with Marco Van Basten's claim at the European Championship of 1988, fed by a deep cross-field ball by Ruud Gullit, an exquisite volley from and impossible angle, again like Zidane, to clinch the trophy in the final! Credit is due to these two great footballers for entertaining millions of others with their sheer footballing genius.
Dipesh Naik, England

This definitely was the best and most important goal of the European Cup. After watching this goal, nobody can believe that Zidane is in fact a right-foot player. Such a gem of goal by gem of a player.
Vishal, UK (India)

This wasn't the greatest goal in Europe, how can this be said? Fair enough it was a good goal, but not the greatest in Europe. If Ade Akinbyi had scored it, it wouldn't have been called the greatest goal in Europe. Lets' face it, Zidane scored a good goal, that's why everyone is raving about it.
Gareth Holden, Doncaster, England

We all can't stop talking about Zidane's goal in the office...totally AMAZING!!
Darren Cox, UK

This goal will always remain fresh on all minds. It takes a genius to take that volley with a ball that is coming from an entirely different direction and get it right on target with such power and accuracy. It wasn't an aimless shot, but a tactical and calculated volley. Zinedine is indeed one of the greatest and most inspiring players in the world today.
Endy, Nigeria

Good goal? Yes. The best, NO, loads of time and nobody pressurising. And for a player earning that much money, shouldn't he be doing it every week?!!
Allan, UK

Quite simply: YES! Given the circumstances, the fact that the ball was delivered at pace and an awkward height, the technique used, and of course it was in the final of the most prestigious Euro tournament, when Real were under pressure. Once again, YES!
Jon, UK

No, but it was pretty good though!
Bill, UK