Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Robin van Persie, the Flying Dutchman: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Animated gif of Robin van Persie diving forward to head the ball and score for the Netherlands against Spain during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

See All Images →

Topics

football FIFA World Cup: Memorable Moments and History 2026 FIFA World Cup: Key Players Biggest FIFA World Cup Controversies: Battle of Santiago, Zinedine Zidane’s Headbutt, and More Greatest FIFA World Cup Upsets: From Dream Runs to Titanic Blowouts 50 Greatest Men’s Football Players: The Ultimate Soccer GOATs 2026 FIFA World Cup: The Best and the Worst Team Performances 15 Greatest Goals in FIFA World Cup History The Agony and Ecstasy of Football Fandom: Norway’s “Viking Row” and Other Soccer Chants 13 Famous Football Players Who Have Never Won a FIFA World Cup A Brief History of FIFA World Cup Hat Trick Heroes 2026 FIFA World Cup: All You Need to Know About the 48 Teams