Rainbow Flick
A gravity-defying flick that turns defense into comedy and dribbling into art.
The rainbow kick (also called the Reverse heel flick-over, the Rainbow flick, the Carretilha or the Lambreta in Brazil, the Lambretta in Italy, the Brazilian in Romania, the Ardiles flick in the UK, the Arco iris in Spain, the Okocha-Trick in Germany and the Coup du sombrero in France) is a trick used in association football, in which a player steps to the side of the ball and flicks it up. The trajectory of the ball gives the trick its name. The trick is usually performed while running forward with the ball, and is done by rolling the ball up the back of one leg with the other foot, before flicking the standing foot upwards to propel the ball forward and over the head.
- Type
- Skill Move
- Primary Function
- Defeat Defender / Change Direction
- Difficulty Tier
- High (Requires precise timing)
- Associated Attribute
- Dribbling & Ball Control
- Visual Signature
- Ball loops over the player's head
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The rainbow kick is an impressive show of skill, sometimes seen in street soccer or futsal. It is rarely used in modern professional football, as it has a relatively low success rate, but players with high confidence and skill may attempt it from time to time as a feint, to beat opposing players when dribbling. It has been used by players such as Jay-Jay Okocha or Neymar. It was first executed in 1968, by Alexandre de Carvalho "Kaneco". It's said that it was invented by Vito Chimenti, a forward player who also played in Palermo, and it's said that the rainbow kick performed in the famous film Escape to Victory was inspired by him. It was performed at the 2002 FIFA World Cup when Turkey's İlhan Mansız, in what was described as a "sombrero" move of "outrageous skill", flicked the ball over both his head and the head of Brazil's left-back Roberto Carlos, forcing Carlos into a foul. Sometimes the use of tricks, such as the rainbow kick, is seen as showboating and disrespectful to the opposing team. In March 2008, the Sheffield Wednesday player Franck Songo'o attempted the trick, with one match report commenting that the referee "quickly called a halt to proceedings as [opposing] players piled in threatening to lynch [him]". The rainbow kick appears in a famous sequence in the 1981 film Escape to Victory, when the trick is used by the character played by Osvaldo Ardiles, which led to the name of "Ardiles flick". One review described it thus: "the all time special effects highlight being when Osvaldo Ardiles flicks the ball over his head". The trick has also been featured in football computer games, including FIFA 08, where it is described as "One of the most famous soccer moves". Brazilian Superstar Neymar is a notable exponent of the rainbow flick in the modern game.
In Their Own Story
The stadium lights hummed with electric anticipation as the striker, boots laced tight, faced a wall of defenders. The crowd roared, sensing the moment before it happened. With a subtle shift in weight, he didn't pass or shoot; instead, he tapped the ball gently onto his instep and flicked his leg upward. The sphere arced high over his helmet of hair, looping in a perfect rainbow against the floodlights. Before the defender could react to the impossible trajectory, the striker had already sprinted past him, collecting the falling leather with a casual touch, leaving the opposition staring at empty air.
Reader's Guide
There are some variations of the rainbow flicks, such as the Advanced rainbow flick, and one popularized by Neymar, the Neymar Rocket. The advanced rainbow flick involves flicking up the ball to your waist, (sometimes using the Ronaldinho flick-up.) and hitting the ball with the outside of your boot, while also leaning forward. The Neymar Rocket is similar to the normal Rainbow flick, however, instead of rolling the ball up your leg, you lock the ball tightly between your legs, specifically the ankles. Simultaneously, lean forward, and jump while keeping a tight grip in the air, with the legs coming up at a side. When the ball reaches knee height, release your top foot and lob the ball over with your bottom foot.
Did You Know?
- The rainbow kick was first executed in 1968 by Alexandre de Carvalho "Kaneco".
- It is also called the Ardiles flick in the UK, after Osvaldo Ardiles used it in the 1981 film Escape to Victory.
- At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Turkey's İlhan Mansız performed the rainbow kick over Brazil's Roberto Carlos, forcing a foul.
- In March 2008, Sheffield Wednesday's Franck Songo'o attempted the trick and opposing players threatened to lynch him.
- The trick is featured in FIFA 08, where it is described as 'One of the most famous soccer moves'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly defines the Rainbow Flick in EA Sports FC?
This skill move requires a player to flick the ball over their own head using the sole of their foot to bypass an opponent. It is consistently ranked as one of the most eye-catching and celebrated actions in the EA Sports FC franchise.
What player attributes are needed to execute a Rainbow Flick?
Executing this maneuver demands high Dribbling and Ball Control attributes alongside precise input timing from the controller. Players with lower ratings may find the animation fails or leaves them vulnerable to tackles.
Why do fans consider the Rainbow Flick so legendary?
It represents the peak of virtual creativity, allowing players to showcase confidence through theatrical brilliance on the pitch. Fans celebrate it for transforming simple dribbles into memorable highlights rather than just functional play.
Does the Rainbow Flick offer a tactical advantage during competitive play?
It functions primarily as a defensive evasion tool that changes direction instantly to catch opponents off guard. However, its high difficulty tier means it is often reserved for specific moments rather than routine dribbling.
What is the real-world origin of this skill move?
Its roots trace back to informal urban play where players developed unique tricks outside traditional stadiums. The developers included this animation to capture that specific style of freestyle creativity within the game engine.
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