Lucas Ocampos scored a spectacular bicycle kick for Monterrey against Club Tijuana on Sunday during matchday 15 of Mexico's top-flight league.
The 32-year-old Argentine forward put the home side ahead in the second half at the Estadio BBVA, although Monterrey were ultimately pegged back in an entertaining 3-3 draw.
Ocampos struck in the 57th minute with the contest evenly poised at 2-2. Spanish midfielder Oliver Torres collected the ball from a throw-in on the flank and floated a high cross towards the area just behind the penalty spot, finding his teammate 13 metres from goal.
Positioned with his back to goal, Ocampos launched into the air and executed a clean overhead kick. The ball sailed past the goalkeeper and settled into the top opposite corner of the net, giving Monterrey a 3-2 lead and igniting celebrations among the home supporters.
The strike was celebrated widely across Mexican football, with the official Liga BBVA MX social media account describing the finish as an unforgettable goal and a stunning moment of quality for the Monterrey club.
Comparison with 2015 Marseille bicycle kick
The breath-taking finish immediately drew comparisons to one of the most famous goals of Ocampos's European career. Playing for Olympique de Marseille on 23 August 2015, the attacker produced a remarkably similar acrobatic bicycle kick during a 6-0 demolition of Troyes at the Stade Velodrome.
That goal in southern France quickly made Ocampos a fan favourite for his daring technique and direct attacking style. He spent four seasons at Marseille between 2015 and 2019, having previously arrived in French football with AS Monaco, where he played from 2012 to 2015 following an early breakthrough in Argentina with River Plate.
His performances across seven years in Ligue 1 established his international profile, showcasing his physical strength, aerial ability, and flair for producing dramatic moments in front of goal.
Attacking record for Monterrey since 2024 arrival
The overhead kick against Tijuana was the 18th goal Ocampos has scored for Monterrey in 85 matches across all competitions since moving to Mexico in September 2024.
He has also contributed 16 assists for the club, establishing himself as a vital creative and finishing outlet in North American football. Playing under the famous blue and white stripes of the Rayados, Ocampos has become a central figure in Monterrey's push for domestic honours in Liga MX.
Despite his individual brilliance on Sunday, Monterrey were unable to turn the advantage into a victory. Tijuana responded to level the score once again, ensuring that a chaotic and high-scoring encounter finished all square at 3-3.
The dropped points left Monterrey reflecting on defensive lapses in a game where their attacking play, spearheaded by Ocampos and Torres, had created sufficient chances to take all three points.
Sevilla career and loan spell at Ajax
Ocampos made the move across the Atlantic in 2024 after five successful seasons in Spain with Sevilla FC. Joining the Andalusian side in 2019 following his departure from Marseille, he quickly became a cornerstone of the squad at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
His tireless work rate, defensive diligence, and attacking incision earned him widespread admiration in Seville. He was appointed vice-captain of the team and proudly wore the captain's armband on several occasions during his spell in La Liga, helping Sevilla win silverware in the UEFA Europa League.
His time in Europe was not without difficult moments. In the summer of 2022, Ocampos departed Sevilla temporarily to join Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam on loan. The switch to the Eredivisie proved frustrating, as he struggled for playing time at the Johan Cruyff Arena and made just six appearances without finding the back of the net.
He returned to Spain before finally bringing his European chapter to a close in September 2024. He departed Sevilla with an impressive total of 44 goals and 22 assists from 208 appearances for the club, having firmly established his legacy in Spanish football.
