Is Fernandes’ Own Goal the Most Notorious in Football History?

During the Europa League quarter-final match between Porto and Nottingham Forest, defender Martim Fernandes became the center of attention for an unexpected reason: he scored an own goal that left many questioning its place in football history.

A Shocking Turn of Events for Porto

Martim Fernandes, the 20-year-old Porto defender, inadvertently equalized for Nottingham Forest by misdirecting a back pass from a distance of 45 yards, leaving his goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, with no chance. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, and shortly thereafter, Fernandes’s misfortune continued as he suffered an injury and had to exit the match.

This incident raises the question: could Fernandes’ own goal be the worst in football history? Looking back, it’s clear that football has seen its fair share of infamous own goals.

Infamous Own Goals in Football History

Lee Dixon vs Coventry (1991)

In a memorable match against Coventry, Arsenal’s Lee Dixon misjudged a long back pass that soared over goalkeeper David Seaman, directly into the net. This blunder would haunt the solid defensive duo, as Dixon and Seaman were integral to Arsenal’s successes during the 1990s.

Jamie Pollock vs QPR (1998)

As Manchester City faced Queens Park Rangers during a critical relegation battle, Jamie Pollock delivered an embarrassing moment by mistakenly heading the ball over his own goalkeeper’s head, which put QPR ahead. Despite a subsequent equalizer, City ultimately faced relegation.

Franck Queudrue vs Bastia (2001)

While playing for Lens, Franck Queudrue created one of football’s most memorable own goals when he attempted a volleyed clearance from 30 yards out, only to send the ball looping over his own goalkeeper into the net. Ironically, this defender scored very few goals during his career, making this own goal a standout.

Chris Brass vs Darlington (2006)

In a League Two match, Bury’s Chris Brass inadvertently scored an own goal when his attempted clearance hit his own face and rolled into the net. This misfortune, while unfortunate, did save him from undergoing surgery for a previous nose injury.

Alisson Cassiano vs Novorizontino (2024)

In a stunning display, Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Cassiano managed to score an own goal without the opposing team even touching the ball. His teammates passed the ball among themselves for nearly 20 seconds before Cassiano passed it back, unwittingly sending it into his own net.

Are there other own goals that deserve recognition? Feel free to share your thoughts!