Celebrations have been part and parcel of football for many decades, but it is only recently they have developed into more eccentric outbursts, the majority of which are clearly premeditated.
Perhaps it was the early to mid 90’s when they became more predominant and practised in the game. Think, ‘rocking the baby’ which was orchestrated by Brazil’s Bebeto during the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Fabrizo Ravanelli started a craze on his arrival in England, lifting his shirt above his head, and prior to that there was that Jurgen Klinsmann who dived belly first, arms outstretched to the ground, being replicated, somewhat painfully, in playgrounds throughout the country.
Certain players even became as equally associated for their celebration as their style of play, Alan Shearer for example, one hand triumphantly raised, Tim Cahill’s shadow boxing with the corner flag, and, taking into consideration the lesser household names, Robert Earnshaw’s machine gun type thing, and more impressively Shefki Kuqi face dive.

Alan Shearer's one armed salute - not in that way, thankfully. That was more Mark Bosnich's style
Even Emile Heskey, on the rare occasion that he finds the back of the net, adopted the DJ spinning records, but perhaps more famously for England fans anyhow, had a putt on the golf green following his strike against Germany in the 5-1 humbling in Munich.
Gone are the days of a traditional handshake between teammates, the decorum, perhaps showing a more dignified, respectful approach to your opponents who have suffered by conceding a goal.
The majority are all for an outpouring of emotion when a vital, goal is scored, but there is no denying that some have been rehearsed in the knowledge that they will be put to use in front of a wider audience.
However, there is one side in Iceland who have seemingly stepped up the ball game, stretched the boundaries to a whole new level with their post goal antics. Stajrnan’s Halldor Orri Bjornsson slots home a very deft penalty against rivals Fylkir, and wheels away to celebrate with teammates.
Rather than the odd hand clap and pat on the back, Bjonrnsson simulates throwing a fishing rod into the lake whilst defender Johann Laxdal gets hooked on the imaginary rod and flaps towards the gathering players. See it for yourself by clicking on the below link.
Click on the picture to see that celebration
Obviously goals tend to be a more frequent occurrence in 5-a-side soccer and 6-a-side football, so it would be ill advised to prepare a routine for every ball that rustles the back of the net, as amongst other issues, it might irritate the opposition. However, if you slot home a last gap winner which lands you the honor of being crowned Leisure Leagues 6-a-side champions, then be a little creative, get your thinking caps on, and it may just dazzle the onlookers.
Alex Z