Discover the banned football tricks and showboating skills
Football has always been more than just goals and tactics. It’s a canvas where flair meets finesse, and skill tells stories. But not all tricks are welcome on the pitch as some have been deemed too controversial, too disrespectful, or simply too disruptive. Let’s dive into the world of football skills that were so bold, they ended up being banned.
1. Seal Dribble -Too Much Flair for Comfort
Probably the most famous of the banned tricks, the seal dribble was made iconic by Brazilian midfielder Kerlon. Balancing the ball on his head while sprinting past defenders, Kerlon’s move left opponents frustrated and often furious. The skill, while legal in essence, was seen as provocative. It led to harsh fouls and was eventually discouraged by referees under “unsporting behavior.”
Why it was banned: Incited dangerous tackles; considered disrespectful and showboating.
2. Step-Overs That Waste Time
The step-over is a legitimate and often effective dribbling move. But when players repeatedly perform step-overs without advancing or passing especially in the dying minutes of a match, it can be seen as time-wasting. Referees now keep a close eye on players using flashy footwork purely to run down the clock. Some might consider this as the death of creativity in football but some consider it to be an excuse for time wasting.
Why it’s penalized: Time-wasting and unsportsmanlike conduct.
3. Backheel Penalty Kicks – The ‘Too Cool’ Finish
Penalty kicks are meant to be serious business, but some players tried to turn them into circus acts. When a player turns or spins to flick the ball backward has been banned in some instances by leagues due to it being seen as mocking the opponent or failing to follow the rules for a forward motion strike.
Why it’s banned: Seen as mocking, and may violate laws requiring forward motion on penalties.
4. Rainbow Flick Over a Defender’s Head
Though not technically banned, the rainbow flick especially when done in a defensive third or when a team is comfortably leading can result in the referee calling a foul for “unsporting behavior.” It’s all about context. If it humiliates rather than plays, it’s often stopped.
Why it’s discouraged: Considered humiliating or provoking.
5. Kick-Off Tricks – Passing to Yourself
There was a time when clever players would try to touch the ball forward slightly and then run onto it themselves, essentially passing to themselves from kick-off. FIFA later updated the rules to make it clear that the ball must be touched by another player before the play can progress.
Why it’s banned: Violates the requirement for ball movement involving more than one player.
6. Standing on the Ball (Literally)
A showboating move that looks cool but also screams arrogance. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have, at times, stood on the ball mid-play, drawing attention and criticism for trying to humiliate defenders. Referees can caution players for this if it incites aggression or delays play.
Memphis Depay might be the latest victim to this, The CBF has announced that players should be shown a yellow card if they stand on the ball with both feet and the opposing team awarded an indirect free-kick, after a day Depay was seen doing this skill in the Brazilian league.
Why it’s penalized: Disrespectful; incites aggression.
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When Style Crosses the Line
There’s a fine balance in football between skillful expression and outright disrespect. While the game thrives on creativity, some tricks simply stir more controversy than admiration. Whether it’s a seal dribble or a backheel penalty, football will always flirt with flair but sometimes, the rules remind us that the beautiful game also has its limits.
