Top 5 Footy Goals of 2014

Back-heel volleys, screamers, rabonas, and so much more.

In a year highlighted by Germany claiming its fourth World Cup title, Real Madrid returning to Champions League glory, and Manchester City edging out Liverpool and Chelsea in the previous Premier League season, a myriad of goals were scored that captivated the footballing community and filled up highlight reels across the planet.

Without further ado, here are the top five footy goals of 2014:

5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid vs. Valencia)

What better place to start than with the greatest footballer alive?

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring exploits need no introduction. After all, he finished as the top scorer in the 2013-14 La Liga with 31 goals to his name. He's already bagged an unbelievable 25 goals through 14 league fixture this season, as well as another five in the Champions League.

None, however, were as impressive as the Karate Kid style back-heel volley that he deployed against Valencia in May. Real Madrid were trailing at the time, and the 92nd-minute goal allowed Carlo Ancelotti's side to steal a late point.

4. Erik Lamela (Tottenham vs. Asteras)

Europa League matches usually aren't the most entertaining fixtures. However, one of the most jaw-dropping goals of the year came courtesy of Erik Lamela when Tottenham hosted Asteras on Oct. 23.

After the ball fell to him just outside the 18-yard-box, Lamela unleashed an unbelievable rabona into the back of the net that left the 'keeper flat-footed.

The Argentine youngster later admitted that he thought it was the best goal of his career, even though he scored a nearly-identical goal during his time at River Plate.

Note the reaction of Lamela's teammate, Ben Davies.

3. Carlos Tevez (Juventus vs. Parma)

Carlos Tevez may have been omitted from Argentina's World Cup squad - yet he scored what was likely the best goal by any Argentine player this year (sorry, Lamela) during Juventus' recent 7-0 thrashing of Parma.

Ripping a page out of Diego Maradona's book, Tevez collected the ball in his side's own half. He then proceeded to take out Parma's entire backline as he dribbled down the pitch, before slotting the ball past 'keeper Antonio Mirante.

Maradona would be proud.

2. James Rodriguez (Colombia vs. Uruguay)

Colombia's run to the quarterfinals of the World Cup was due in large part to James Rodriguez, whose six goals in Brazil saw him collect Golden Boot honors as the tournament's top scorer.

Although Rodriguez had already carved out a name for himself at Porto and AS Monaco, as well as during Colombia's qualifying campaign, his performance at the World Cup surely went a long way in securing his €80-million move to Real Madrid.

Just look at the absolute screamer Rodriguez unleashed against Uruguay in the round of 16, in which his link-up play, spatial awareness, first touch, and shooting abilities were all on full display.

1. Pablo Hernandez (Celta de Vigo vs. Atletico Madrid)

In football, each match is an opportunity for something to happen that's never been seen before.

In what can only be described as a play that would have Zlatan Ibrahimovic grinning, Celta de Vigo midfielder Pablo Hernandez scored one of the most incredible goals you'll ever see in his side's recent 2-2 draw versus Atletico Madrid.

After tracking down a long ball into the 18-yard box, Hernandez somehow popped the ball past 'keeper Moya with a back-heel volley - while facing away from the net.

Whether or not he was attempting to score or simply get a touch on the ball, the goal stands as the very best of the footballing world in 2014.