Amateur Footballer Scores on a 57-Yard Header

While the football world is rightfully buzzing about Lionel Messi’s wonder goal Wednesday, an amateur player in England might have earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Graham Capstick, a 19-year-old defender playing for Holker Old Boys, scored with his head from his teams own half of the field, a goal measured at 57 yards (52.1 metres).

Capstick describes the goal:

“Everyone remembers David Beckham’s goal from over the halfway line but mine was probably even more amazing because it was headed,” said sports student Graham, a Manchester United fan.

“I hit it perfectly. It just flew over all the other players and then bounced about 16 yards (14m) out from the goal-line as their keeper came out.

“Then it just bounced over his head. I don’t think he could believe it – and neither could anyone else.

“Even I was shocked. I certainly wasn’t aiming for goal – I hadn’t scored all season.”

Now, far be it from me to question the veracity of Mr. Capstick, but with no video of the goal, a mere 37 people in attendance and no quotes from anyone other than the player himself. I think we have a right to be skeptical. Especially since he gives his teammates’ explanation of the goal as: “I’ve just had my head shaved, so they were saying it happened because of that.”

My own theory is that he must have had a steel plate inserted into his head before the match. Either that or his head belongs on Easter Island. FIFA should look into that.

For their part, the Guinness folks say there is no current record for longest headed goal, which means that if you take a video camera to your Sunday league game and film yourself scoring from far out you might have a chance of getting your name in the record books.

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Category: World Football

Tags: 57-yard goal, Graham Capstick, Guinness Book of World Records, World Football, World Soccer

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