2016 Rio Paralympics: visually impaired footballer Behzad Zadaliasghari scores amazing solo goal

VISUALLY impaired Behzad Zadaliasghari showed off some impeccable ball control, and a tidy finish, with what has to be the goal of the Paralympic Games in Rio.

Behzad Zadaliasghari weaves through the Morocco defence.

WHO says you need to be able to see to score golazos like Lionel Messi?

Iran’s Behzad Zadaliasghari sure doesn’t. Check out the impeccable ball control and tidy finish from the visually impaired Paralympian as he scored what has to be the goal of the Paralympic Games in Rio.

😱 ⚽️ 👏 Impressive goal on the #Football5 field at the #Rio2016 #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/oW7dadTlR0

— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) September 12, 2016

There are two types of football played at the Paralympic Games – one is 7-a-side for players with cerebral palsy, while this competition is 5-a-side with all outfield players visually impaired and wearing shades so they are completely blind.

A noise-making device is installed in the ball and coaches are allowed to shout verbal instructions to help the players locate the ball, but that doesn’t make what Zadaliasghari did any less impressive.

He still had to weave his way past the entire Morocco team, the ball seemingly glued to his feet, then rifle his shot past the goalkeeper, who is allowed to see. We know Messi can score penalty kicks blindfolded, but even he would have trouble replicating this piece of skill.

Originally published as 2016 Rio Paralympics: visually impaired footballer Behzad Zadaliasghari scores amazing solo goal