10 Infamous Premier League Goal Celebrations
The Premier League has delivered countless iconic moments over the years, but few stick in the memory quite like a memorable goal celebration. From cheeky messages to chest-puffing gestures, these ten celebrations have gone down in football folklore.
RoboCrouch – Peter Crouch’s Robotic Delight
We begin with a classic. Former Tottenham, QPR, Southampton, Liverpool, and Stoke striker—among many, many others—Peter Crouch unveiled his unforgettable robot dance celebration during the 2006 World Cup. Despite its legendary status, Crouch only performed the “RoboCrouch” three times: twice during the 2006 World Cup and once more in 2017. The latter marked his 100th Premier League goal, scored in a 1-1 draw for Stoke City against Everton. Few celebrations are as amusing—or as tall—as Crouchy’s robot jig.
Aguerooooooo! – Sergio Aguero’s Title-Winning Eruption
Possibly the most iconic moment in Premier League history came courtesy of Sergio Aguero in May 2012. In stoppage time against QPR, Aguero netted a dramatic winner that secured the Premier League title for Manchester City, snatching it from rivals Manchester United.
As the Etihad Stadium erupted in jubilation, Aguero whipped off his shirt and swung it overhead. Commentator Martin Tyler’s unforgettable line—“Aguerooooooo! I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again. So watch it, drink it in”—cemented the moment in football history.
“Why Always Me?” – Mario Balotelli’s Message
Italian striker Mario Balotelli was known as much for his antics as his football. During his time at Manchester City, headlines followed him relentlessly. From visiting a strip club just days before a match (earning a £250,000 fine) to failing hilariously to put on a training bib, Balotelli kept the spotlight.
Then came October 2011. Just two days after fireworks set fire to his bathroom, Balotelli scored the opener in City’s 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United. Lifting his shirt, he revealed the now-famous slogan: “Why always me?” Mario, we think we know the answer.
Rooney’s Knockout – A Celebration with Punch
On 15 March 2015, a video surfaced of Wayne Rooney play-boxing with Stoke City’s Phil Bardsley in his kitchen. In the footage, Rooney appeared to be knocked out cold. Mere hours later, Rooney scored in Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham and chose to parody the viral video.
He mimed throwing punches before collapsing backwards to the turf in theatrical style. A knock-out performance in every sense.
Shearer’s Signature Salute
Alan Shearer remains the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, with 260 goals to his name. Yet, despite such prolific scoring, Shearer kept his celebration simple: a raised right arm while jogging away from goal.
No dances, no drama—just a modest salute that became synonymous with the man himself. Uncomplicated, unforgettable, and totally Shearer.
Stevie’s Camera Kiss – Gerrard’s United Delight
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, the heartbeat of the team for 17 years, often reserved special performances for clashes against Manchester United. One such occasion came in March 2009 when Gerrard slotted home a penalty during Liverpool’s emphatic 4-1 away victory.
Racing to the corner flag, he kissed the badge on his shirt… then added a smooch to the camera lens. He reprised the celebration five years later as Liverpool triumphed 3-0 at Old Trafford. A moment to relish for Reds everywhere.
Fowler’s Controversial Line – A Derby Day Storm
Robbie Fowler, an Anfield icon, found himself at the centre of controversy during the Merseyside derby in April 1999. With Everton fans heckling him over baseless drug allegations, Fowler responded in dramatic fashion. After scoring a penalty, he dropped to his knees and mimed snorting the white line of the penalty area.
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier claimed the move was a Cameroonian grass-eating celebration inspired by teammate Rigobert Song. The FA didn’t buy it—Fowler received a four-match ban and a fine of two weeks’ wages.
Adebayor’s Provocation – A Painful Slide for Arsenal
August 2009 saw Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor line up against his former club Arsenal, just two months after his departure. Predictably, Gunners fans greeted him with boos. Late in the game, Adebayor scored and ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate—on his knees—directly in front of the visiting Arsenal supporters.
The incident sparked uproar. Though he later issued an apology, Adebayor was handed a suspended two-match ban and a £25,000 fine.
Bullard’s Dressing Down – A Team Talk to Remember
In 2008, Hull City found themselves trailing 4-0 to Manchester City, prompting manager Phil Brown to administer an infamous on-pitch dressing down at half-time. Fast-forward one year to the same fixture, and Jimmy Bullard scored an equaliser. His celebration? A brilliant recreation of Brown’s moment—his teammates sat in a circle while Bullard played the role of manager, giving them a mock team talk.
Although Brown described it as “fantastic”, Bullard later admitted he was told to “wind his neck in” after the match.
Cantona’s Cool – A Regal Response
Rounding off the list is one of the coolest celebrations in Premier League history. In December 1996, Manchester United’s Eric Cantona scored with an exquisite chip over Sunderland’s Lionel Perez. What followed was pure theatre: collar popped, Cantona slowly turned to survey the crowd, puffed out his chest, and raised his arms in serene triumph. The celebration was not random.
Eric Cantona Is HIM 👑 – YouTube
Cantona later revealed it was revenge—Perez had refused to shake his hand before kick-off. “That’s the biggest humiliation for a goalkeeper,” Cantona said. “And this kind of celebration too. Because he’s angry and you don’t run anywhere. I just stand there. Look at me.”