The most iconic skill moves in football history

Never underestimate the importance of a skill move.

In FIFA 23, skill moves are more authentic and effective than ever before thanks to the new HyperMotion2 technology which, thanks to the most advanced data capture process ever, ensures a more fluid, realistic performance on the virtual pitch.

Real-life stars have brought out plenty of skill moves in the past, and here are some of the most iconic tricks of all time.

1. The Cruyff Turn

Perfected by Dutch icon Johan, the Cruyff Turn is so simple, yet so effective.

Back at the 1974 World Cup, Cruyff introduced the move to the global audience as he feigned a pass and flicked the ball behind his standing leg, turning 180 degrees and breezing away from his bewildered defender.

The genius of this move is in its speed and fluidity. Done convincingly, defenders can’t predict it whatsoever.

2. The Elastico

Also known as the Flip-Flap or the Akka, this move was made famous by Ronaldinho but actually introduced to the world by Rivelino back in 1970.

Having learned the trick from close friend Sergio Echigo, Rivelino went to that year’s World Cup ready to terrorise defenders. He’d flick the ball as if he was driving one way but, with the same foot, end up flicking it back across his defender in the blink of an eye.

When Ronaldinho adopted the Elastico as his own, it exploded onto a whole new level.

3. The Rainbow Flick

The Rainbow Flick doesn’t come out too often in professional football, but when it does, it’s one of the most beautiful sights.

Players like Jay-Jay Okocha and Neymar have never been afraid to pull out a Rainbow Flick, staring their opponents in the eyes and flicking the ball up over both theirs and their defender’s heads.

We’ve all tried it in the park. It’s the one move you want to perfect more than most, but in reality, it takes some outrageous quality to pull off effectively.

4. The Rabona

Another real eye-catcher, the Rabona comes out in so many different situations.

The art of wrapping one foot around the other to connect with the ball, we’ve seen players pull out a Rabona to pass, cross and even score goals, and every time it stands out as a moment of real quality.

While impossible to identify its creator, the Rabona is usually associated with Ricardo Infante, who took Argentinian football by storm when he pulled it out all the way back in 1948.

5. La Cuauhteminha

The chances are you’ve tried this move without actually knowing its name.

La Cuauhteminha, made famous by Mexican icon Cuauhtemoc Blanco, involves a player trapping the ball between both their feet and simply jumping in the air to leap over a defender’s challenge.

Propelling the ball downwards as he landed, Blanco would use the move to give himself a boost away from his opponents and leave them in the dust.

6. The Trivela

Another playground favourite, the Trivela is more than just an outside-of-the-boot kick.

When at the right feet, such as those of Ricardo Quaresma, the Trivela becomes an unstoppable, curling pass that defies all physics and is borderline unstoppable.

Some of the most famous crosses and goals have come courtesy of a Trivela, and long may that continue.

7. The Seal Dribble

Kerlon’s Seal Dribble remains one of the most surreal bits of skill ever seen in professional football.

The Brazilian would flick the ball up into the air, catch it on his forehead and simply run past defenders while balancing the ball on his head. Without fouling him, it was unstoppable until gravity finally had its say.

It’s not a move which comes out too often, but whenever you get a glimpse, it’s always a memorable occasion.

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