Is Fernandes’ own goal the worst of all time?

In a shocking twist during the Europa League quarter-final, Porto’s Martim Fernandes found himself at the center of controversy after inadvertently scoring an own goal. The incident occurred in the first half as Fernandes, a 20-year-old defender, sent a backpass into his own net from 45 yards, mistakenly passing to Diogo Costa instead of the other way around. The goal equalized the match for Nottingham Forest, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Just minutes later, Fernandes was forced to leave the field due to an injury, adding to the drama of the evening.

Arsenal’s defensive blunder

During a First Division clash in 1991, Arsenal’s Lee Dixon and David Seaman faced an unusual challenge when Dixon attempted a long-range backpass to Seaman. The ball sailed over Seaman’s head and into the net, handing Coventry a crucial point. Dixon and Seaman were key figures in Arsenal’s formidable defense during the 1990s and early 2000s, but this moment exposed a rare miscommunication. The goal remains one of the most memorable in football history, even if it was not the desired outcome for the Gunners.

A last-minute gamble gone wrong

On the final day of the 1997-98 First Division season, Manchester City needed a result to secure survival from relegation. However, a misfired clearance by Bury’s Chris Brass altered the course of the game. Brass accidentally headed the ball into his own net, giving his team a 2-1 deficit. Despite a late equalizer and a 5-2 win at Stoke, City were relegated to League One by a single point. Brass’s error, though costly, spared him from needing surgery after a previous nose injury.

A volleyed misadventure

Franck Queudrue, a defender who scored just 28 league goals in his career, became an unlikely hero with a spectacular own goal. In a Ligue 1 match against Bastia, Queudrue attempted a clearance from 30 yards out, looping the ball high over his own goalkeeper. The goal, while not intentional, showcased a rare blend of skill and blunder, marking one of the most iconic own goals in football history.

A controversial gift

In a rare case of a player’s own goal benefiting their team, Darlington received an unexpected start against Bury. Chris Brass’s attempted clearance struck his face and trickled past Kasper Schmeichel, who was still developing his career. The goal, though embarrassing, allowed Darlington to avoid further complications. Bury, however, claimed the victory and secured their position in the league.

Passing without purpose

Sport Recife’s Alisson Cassiano faced a unique scenario in a second division match against Novorizontino. Before the own goal, the team passed the ball among themselves for 18 seconds without the opponent touching it. Cassiano’s final touch sent the ball into his own net, with his goalkeeper standing nearby. The move was a beautiful example of passing, but its direction proved disastrous, leaving Cassiano with a memorable moment of self-inflicted glory.

Every cloud.

While Fernandes’ own goal may not rank as the worst, it joins a list of unforgettable blunders that have defined football’s most dramatic moments. From defensive mishaps to last-minute errors, these incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport. Have you seen a better own goal? Share your thoughts below and follow your club with BBC Sport for more updates.