Ballard's Stunning Heel Flick in 85th Minute Already Taking Over Social Media in Championship

Dom Ballard may have already scored the goal of the season in just the second round of the Championship. The 21-year-old Bristol City striker sent a heel-flick volley into the top corner in the 85th minute of Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Birmingham, in a gesture as unconventional as it was spectacular.

The action came from a cross by his teammate Rio Cardines. With his back to goal, Ballard anticipated another attempt from his partner and unleashed a heel-flick volley that nestled into the far corner. The goal has been looping on social media since the final whistle.

“It’s not bad at all,” the player joked after the match. “I had a feeling Rio was going to send another cross, he’d just done one. I believed in it and I tried. What a moment, look at the fans, it was incredible.” The former Southampton player, however, had to swallow some of his joy: Birmingham equalized in added time from a penalty, denying Bristol City the victory.

The goal wasn’t enough to make a difference in the standings, but it has already far exceeded the boundaries of England’s second division. The 2026 Puskás Award may have found its favorite several months in advance.