Why Do Soccer Players Run To The Corner Flag?

Players run to the corner after scoring a goal – why?

Well having done this myself.

When I have managed to score, I have a good idea why exactly players do this.

Now first things first, when you score you are filled with so many emotions.

You get this rush of excitement, that makes you want to the corner flag and hug your teammates to celebrate scoring.

This is not the only reason why a footballer does this.

Secondly going to the corner means it takes longer for the opponents to get the ball back in play.

As you will be far in the corner.

This gives the team that scores the opportunity to regroup too.

To give you a little example, if Team A scored let’s say they were one goal ahead.

If Player X scored and their teammates went all the way to the corner to celebrate.

Team B would need to wait until all opposing players had made their way back to their own half.

So as you can see there are two reasons for this.

One for joy and the other for tactics.

With that said though let’s delve a little deeper into the goal celebration.

Table of Contents

The goal celebration tradition in soccer

Unless you are watching a friendly or watching a game where a team scores 26+ goals for instance.

Then you will typically find that nearly all players will go to the corner after scoring.

Of course, it depends on personal preference as some will have their very own celebration.

But generally, this is a classic tradition, that most footballers will do.

Almost naturally.

Here are a few reasons as to why:

When you run to the corner, you get to celebrate with both your team and fans. This builds togetherness not just with your teammates but with the spectators too, with everyone feeling close in the moment.
Let’s not forget it gives you space to do your celebration. Whether you want to do dozens of somersaults or do the famous South African macarena used in 2010, you have the space to do it away from your opposition.
As part of the football celebration culture, players are constantly being more innovative with there own signature celebrations. So going to the corner allows them to do it. A good example is Tim Cahill’s boxing celebration, where he would hit the corner flag as if in a boxing match with it.
It another big reason is to engage with fans. On occasion especially in those big moments or last-minute goals, the player may jump into the crowd letting all emotions of the moment come out.

Since players have started going to the corner flag to celebrate, it has birthed some of the most iconic moments in the game.

From Rooney being lifted up by Nani after scoring that famous bicycle kick in the league against Liverpool.

To going even further back to the 1990 World Cup where Roger Milla put on a show, doing his signature dance in the corner flag each time after netting.

Reasons why soccer players run to the corner after a goal

If you have scored in the last minute.

Maybe a winner.

Well, you will not only have the incentive of going to the corner flag to celebrate wildly.

But to also disrupt the other team from quickly getting the flow back to score back on you.

As a result.

It wastes time.

Disrupts momentum.

While allowing you to celebrate with fans.

To give you an idea, if a team celebrated in the middle pitch after scoring.

As opposed to right in the corner.

Or maybe even jumping into the fan sections to embrace the spectators.

Well in the second instance, they would have much further to go, taking more time off the clock.

This is why when you flip it the other way around.

When a team is losing and they score a goal late, they will go straight to get the ball and put it on that halfway line.

Skipping the corner flag celebrations altogether.

Analysis of Famous Goal Celebrations

Players going to the corner to celebrate has become such a big thing.

That even people who don’t watch football, become aware of the celebrations that players do.

Whether that be through them being shared on TikTok.

Or people replicating them in real life.

Lets now delve a little deeper into some of the most viral corner celebrations in the footballing game

Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siu” celebration

If you simply mention Cristiano Ronaldo’s name to someone.

It will probably be enough to trigger the famous ‘Siu’ celebration to come out.

Ronaldo’s “Siu” celebration is a symbol of his immense self-belief and confidence.

When he roars with joy after scoring a goal, it has become a rallying cry for his fans.

Something I only just learned recently is that he has been doing this since his early days at Manchester United.

While he has certainly perfected it compared to his first attempts at it, when he was gaining his prominence during the 2008-2009 season.

A year in which Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions.

It has since become an iconic symbol of his dominance on the pitch.

Mainly because he does it almost every time he scores, whereas previously he wasn’t doing it as consistently.

But having had the privilege of sitting behind the goal when he pulled his first ‘Sui’ at the World Cup 2022 against Ghana in the group stage.

I can say that the celebration sounds even better in real life, with fans echoing it too.

Lionel Messi’s pointing to the sky celebration

From one great to another, Lionel Messi has his own signature celebration in which he goes to the corner after a goal.

While this one isn’t as popular as Ronaldo’s.

Probably because it is more subtle and not loud.

Lionel Messi’s celebration has a bit more behind it.

Pointing the sky the Argentinian will show a symbol of family love and support.

It is a humble reminder that success comes from those who support you.

This not only shows how great a person Messi is with his humility.

But with the number of times he has done the celebration in his life, how good a footballer he is too.

Robbie Keane’s cartwheel celebration

Robbie Keane may be retired but he is somehow still celebrating goals to this day.

Being responsible for one of the most famous celebrations in Premier League history, the Irishman who scored twice at Soccer Aid would perform cartwheel celebrations every time he netted.

His knees are not as forgiving now then they were 10 years ago.

Not only does he still celebrate his goals when featuring in charity matches mostly.

But he also still has the ability in his late 40’s to finish.

This celebration was associated with Keane’s style of playback in the day.

Reflecting his energetic and passionate attitude, bringing an extra spark of excitement every time he scores.

Moreover, fans eagerly await Keane’s cartwheel celebration during matches, as it has become an iconic gesture.

It has even encouraged young players and fans to mimic his moves in their own triumphant moments.

Conclusion

So as you can see footballers don’t just run to the corner of the pitch for the sake of it.

There are as I have listed a few reasons why they do this.

Not only is it to embrace that joy of scoring a goal for their team.

In which you feel responsible for helping your team gain an advantage in the game.

But also to go and pull off a signature celebration, a Ronaldo SIU or Keane cartwheel.

Coming with that you are able to share the moment with your fans and teammates too.

Encouraging that bond between both, in which everyone involved will remember fondly.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: Why do soccer players run to the corner after a goal?

Q: Why do soccer players celebrate by running to the corner after scoring a goal?

A: Running to the corner flag after scoring a goal has become a tradition in soccer. It is a way for players to celebrate their accomplishments and share their joy with the fans. It is also a way for players to pay tribute to their team and show unity.

Q: What does running to the corner after a goal signify?

A: Running to the corner signifies happiness, excitement, and team spirit. It is a chance for players to show their emotions and connect with their teammates and supporters. Additionally, players often celebrate by sliding on their knees near the corner flag, which further emphasizes their elation and exhilaration.

Q: Does running to the corner have any historical significance?

A: Running to the corner flag after scoring a goal is not rooted in a specific historical event but has become a customary celebration over time. It is believed to have originated as a way for players to acknowledge and appreciate the fans, who traditionally stood in the corner sections of the stadium.

Q: Are there any superstitions associated with running to the corner after a goal?

A: While there are no universal superstitions, some players may have personal rituals or traditions associated with running to the corner after scoring a goal. These rituals could include specific gestures, such as kissing the corner flag, doing a specific dance, or pointing to the sky to dedicate the goal to someone special.

Q: Are there any tactical reasons behind running to the corner after a goal?

A: Running to the corner after scoring a goal can have tactical benefits. It allows the goal-scoring team to regroup and celebrate while also wasting time, especially if they are leading in the closing stages of a match. By running to the corner, the players can halt the opposition’s momentum and prevent a quick restart.

Q: Do players receive any penalties for running to the corner after a goal?

A: Generally, there are no penalties for running to the corner after scoring a goal. However, if the celebration involves unsportsmanlike behavior, such as taunting the opposition or inciting the crowd, players may receive a yellow card. Excessive time-wasting during the celebration can also result in a caution from the referee.