One kick, 35 meters, 11 defenders - then he scored one of football's greatest goals
In 1997, Roberto Carlos stepped up for a free kick from 35 meters out during a match between Brazil and France. What happened next looked impossible: the ball flew wide of the wall, appeared to be heading out of bounds, and then suddenly curved back into the goal. The stunning strike became one of the most famous goals in football history and left fans around the world in disbelief. But this wasn't magic—it was physics. By putting tremendous spin on the ball, Carlos created what's known as the Magnus effect, causing the ball to bend dramatically through the air. Nearly three decades later, his legendary free kick is still studied by scientists, replayed by fans, and remembered as one of the greatest goals ever scored.