As derby goals go, few arrive with the timing and technical audacity of Youssef Chermiti’s brace for Rangers in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Celtic — particularly his spectacular overhead-kick opener.
While the Portuguese striker’s double ultimately failed to secure victory after Rangers surrendered a 2-0 half-time lead, the acrobatic finish immediately entered the conversation among the greatest goals scored in the 21st-century Old Firm fixture.
Comparisons were swiftly drawn with Scott McTominay’s thunderous strike for Scotland in the 4-2 World Cup qualifying win over Denmark last November. But how does Chermiti’s effort measure up against previous derby classics?
A look back at some of the most iconic Old Firm goals of the modern era:
Martin O’Neill’s first Old Firm match in charge of Celtic ended in a stunning 6-2 victory. Larsson’s contribution was emblematic of the afternoon — a composed, audacious chip over Rangers goalkeeper Stefan Klos.
After weaving through the Rangers half, the Swedish forward delicately lifted the ball beyond the stranded keeper, setting the tone for a dominant display and etching his name deeper into derby folklore.
In the 2002 Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden, Konterman delivered one of the competition’s most memorable strikes. Hovering outside the box in extra time, the Dutchman unleashed a rising long-range drive beyond Rab Douglas to secure a 2-1 win — a result that propelled Rangers toward lifting the trophy.
Three years later, Maloney illuminated another League Cup derby with a moment of individual brilliance at Celtic Park. Cutting in from the left flank, he found space and unleashed a ferocious drive from distance to open the scoring in a 2-0 win.
The technique and confidence embodied Celtic’s attacking verve during that period.
When Walter Smith returned to Rangers, he restored resilience — and occasionally produced the unexpected. In March 2007, defender Ugo Ehiogu ventured forward for a corner and acrobatically converted an overhead kick to seal a 1-0 victory at Celtic Park.
For a centre-back to execute such technique on derby day only heightened its significance.
Celtic’s 2-1 win in April 2008 — a crucial step toward that season’s league title — was ignited by Nakamura’s long-range masterpiece. Collecting the ball in the inside-right channel, the Japanese playmaker bent an unstoppable left-footed shot beyond Allan McGregor.
The blend of precision and power made it one of the defining goals of that title race.
Later that year, Mendes produced his trademark piledriver in a 4-2 Rangers triumph at Celtic Park. Positioned at the edge of the area from a recycled corner, the Portuguese midfielder struck through the ball with ferocity, leaving Artur Boruc helpless.
It was a statement goal in a statement victory.
In a commanding 4-0 win in September 2022, Jota’s delicate chip echoed Larsson’s effort from two decades earlier. Timing his run to perfection to meet Matt O’Riley’s pass, the winger lifted the ball nonchalantly over Jon McLaughlin.
The composure contrasted sharply with the high-intensity surroundings.
Kyogo’s prolific record in the fixture was enhanced by a decisive strike in December 2023. Picking up possession on the edge of the area, he set himself before rifling a left-footed effort into the top-right corner — the winning goal in a season that ended with Celtic crowned champions.
Last season delivered yet another dramatic chapter. With Celtic having clawed back from two goals down and a draw looming, Igamane seized on a loose ball at the edge of the area and drove an emphatic shot into the top corner to secure a 3-2 Rangers victory at Celtic Park.
Power, timing and context combined to elevate its status.
Chermiti’s third of four goals against Celtic this season may prove his most iconic. Rising with his back to goal, the striker met Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross with a perfectly executed overhead kick that electrified the home crowd.
Technically demanding, aesthetically striking and delivered on derby day, the goal ticks every box required for inclusion among the fixture’s modern greats.
Great derby goals are measured not only by technique but by context — timing, consequence and narrative weight. Whether Chermiti’s overhead kick ultimately surpasses Larsson’s chip or Nakamura’s long-range brilliance will remain subjective.
What is certain, however, is that it belongs firmly in the conversation among the finest Old Firm goals of the 21st century.
