Higuita Scorpion Kick: 30 Years On, The Moment That Stunned Football

Thirty years ago at Wembley, Colombia goalkeeper Rene Higuita changed football forever. His famous scorpion kick save against England in 1995 still stands as one of the most iconic moments in the sport. The move was bold, risky, and unforgettable.

England legend David Seaman, who was in goal at the other end that night, still calls it the most incredible thing he has seen on a pitch. What seemed like a simple shot from Jamie Redknapp turned into football folklore when Higuita leapt forward, legs arched behind his head, and cleared the ball with a flick of his heels.

Why The Higuita Scorpion Kick Still Matters

The save happened in a friendly match, but its legacy is far bigger. Higuita, already known as “El Loco” for his eccentric style, brought joy and shock to the game. His scorpion kick was not just a trick — it symbolised his fearless approach to goalkeeping.

Higuita himself admitted that he only attempted the move because he spotted the linesman raise the offside flag. Knowing the play would not count, he decided to try something outrageous. According to BBC Sport, the idea first came to him while filming a commercial, and it became a training routine before Wembley gave it a stage.

The match ended 0-0, but nobody remembers the score. Fans, commentators, and players recall only Higuita’s audacious save. Martin Tyler, who called the game, described it as something out of a comic book.

From Risk to Rule: The Broader Impact

The scorpion kick was just one part of Higuita’s unique career. He scored 43 goals, many from penalties and free kicks, making him one of the highest-scoring keepers in history. More importantly, his style helped change how goalkeepers are viewed.

After the 1990 World Cup, FIFA introduced the backpass rule, which forced goalkeepers to use their feet more. Higuita embraced this before anyone else. His risk-taking inspired a new generation of keepers who could play with their feet, from Jorge Campos in Mexico to modern stars like Manuel Neuer.

Still, Higuita’s boldness came with mistakes. His infamous error against Cameroon’s Roger Milla at Italia 90 cost Colombia dearly. Yet those moments only added to his legend. He was never just a shot-stopper — he was a showman, a pioneer, and a symbol of football freedom.

Thirty years on, the Higuita scorpion kick remains football’s ultimate mix of risk, skill, and magic. It is a reminder that the game is not only about results, but also about moments that make fans smile forever.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Higuita scorpion kick?

It is a unique save where Rene Higuita jumped forward, arched his back, and cleared the ball by kicking it with his heels like a scorpion’s tail.

Q2: When did Higuita perform the scorpion kick?

He performed it on 6 September 1995 at Wembley Stadium during a friendly match between England and Colombia.

Q3: Why did Higuita try the scorpion kick?

He saw the offside flag go up and knew the play would not count, so he decided to entertain the crowd with a daring move.

Q4: How many goals did Rene Higuita score in his career?

He scored 43 career goals, including penalties and free kicks, making him one of the highest-scoring goalkeepers in football history.

Q5: What was the impact of the Higuita scorpion kick?

It became a global football memory, inspired goalkeepers to play with flair, and added to Higuita’s reputation as one of the most eccentric players in history.