Moroccan star Boufal’s unforgettable strike crowned best goal in St Mary’s history

Moroccan forward Sofiane Boufal’s spectacular solo goal against West Bromwich Albion has been voted the greatest goal scored at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium during its first 25 years.

The former Morocco international’s effort emerged victorious from a fan vote organised by the Premier League club throughout August, beating 31 other goals in a knockout-style competition featuring 32 memorable strikes from Southampton’s history.

Boufal’s latest honour adds another chapter to the legacy of a goal already regarded as one of the finest individual efforts produced by an African player in the Premier League.

A moment of individual brilliance

The goal came on 21 October 2017 during Southampton’s Premier League match against West Brom.

Boufal had only entered the game as a substitute in the 81st minute when he produced the moment that would define his time with the Saints.

Four minutes after coming on, the Moroccan collected the ball inside his own half and embarked on a remarkable solo run towards the West Brom penalty area.

Weaving his way through six defenders, Boufal left two opposition players colliding as he continued his charge before calmly placing his finish into the bottom corner.

The extraordinary goal immediately became a favourite among Southampton supporters and football fans around the world.

Premier League recognition followed

Boufal’s brilliance was quickly recognised beyond St Mary’s.

The strike won the Premier League Goal of the Month award for October 2017 before going on to claim the league’s Goal of the Season prize for the 2017-18 campaign.

Southampton fans later voted it the club’s best goal of the 2010s, and the latest poll confirms that the Moroccan’s moment of magic remains unmatched in the stadium’s history.

Nearly nine years after Boufal’s unforgettable run through the West Brom defence, supporters have once again placed his effort above some of Southampton’s most iconic goals.

For Boufal and African football, the recognition ensures that one of the Premier League’s greatest solo goals continues to hold a special place in Southampton’s history.