WATCH: 10 goal celebrations that went badly wrong

Back in the day, players just used to shake hands before heading back to the centre circle. But all of that changed as football grew into the behemoth that it is today, broadcast around the world. Backflips and choreography became the norm, as kids in the playground began to copy their heroes. 

If any children are reading this, however, this is your 'don't try this at home' warning. The following goal celebrations were attempted by professionals – though not professionals at goal celebrations and certainly not to ever be tried again.

Whether you're it's impersonating a chicken in one of the fiercest derbies on planet Earth, mimicking the sniffing of cocaine along the touchline or performing acrobatics that will have you sidelined for a month, FFT's Adam Clery has rounded up the very best (and the worst) of players undoing all the good that they've just given their team.

No one is safe. Edinson Cavani felt the wrath of a referee who deemed his celebration to be too inflammatory, Matt Ritchie somehow directed a corner flag at his own fan and even Thierry Henry was laid out after trying to look suave in the corner against Chelsea. It happens to the biggest names – and the star in the Japanese league who takes our top spot.

Honestly, just watching this video makes us long for the days of the Eric Cantona celebration of just standing there, hands on hips to turn around and survey the scene around you. 

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.