Interesting momentous events have continued to occur at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which will go down in history.
The Super Falcons’ 3-2 victory over co-host Australia on Thursday at Brisbane Stadium is one such occasion.
With the help of Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale (the game’s MVP), Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne, a now-famous moment of Oshoala pulling off her jersey to celebrate scoring Nigeria’s third goal and winning the match was born.
Oshoala is not the first female footballer in history to remove her jersey in celebration of a score, though. Here are five female football players that celebrated goals by taking off their jerseys.
Brandi Chastain
Chastain, a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and retired American football player, made headlines in 1999 for her celebration after scoring the game-winning penalty in the Women’s World Cup final.
In the final penalty shootout versus China, Chastain, who had earlier missed a penalty kick in a game against China, won the World Cup for the US.
When Chastain won the match in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, she decided to take off her shirt to celebrate. This decision drew both praise and condemnation, and it has now become a recognised global emblem of women’s athletics.
Valentina Giacinti
Giacinti, in a game against Inter Millan in 2021, netted four goals and celebrated by removing her shirt which took many aback. She however later addressed her fans stating that her reaction to the win was not planned.
Sam Kerr
Reminiscent of Brandi Chastain’s iconic goal celebration at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, Chelsea star Kerr, ripped off her jersey to celebrate netting an injury-time goal against Aston Villa in the 2022 Women’s Super League.
Chloe Kelly
Although met with a yellow card for removing her shirt to celebrate a winning goal at the 2022 Euro Championship Finals against Germany, Kelly made it to the list of women who have celebrated wins in this iconic way.
Asisat Oshoala
Oshoala’s decision to take off her shirt in celebration after her team’s victory over Australia in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup competition generated a lot of discussion on social media.
Oshoala, a Muslim player who entered the match as a replacement in the 63rd minute, scored the team’s third goal in the 72nd minute of the Brisbane Stadium match. She showed off her sports bra while celebrating by ripping off her jersey, a move that has since become iconic in the minds of many.