Own goals are a brutal part of football, a moment of pure, unadulterated misfortune that can define a match—or a career. This week, Porto's young defender Martim Fernandes added his name to the infamous list with a truly spectacular howler against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League.

In the first leg of their quarter-final, the 20-year-old attempted a routine back-pass to his goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, from nearly half the pitch away. The ball, however, had other ideas, sailing over Costa's desperate dive and nestling in the net to gift Forest a 1-1 draw. To compound a nightmare evening, Fernandes was injured minutes later and substituted.

The immediate question on every fan's lips: is this a contender for the worst own goal of all time? While Fernandes's effort is a strong entry, football history is littered with legendary blunders that are hard to top.

Consider the classic from Arsenal's legendary defense. In 1991, the rock-solid duo of Lee Dixon and David Seaman suffered a catastrophic communication breakdown. Dixon's attempted back-pass from 25 yards morphed into a perfect chip, floating over a stranded Seaman. It was a moment so bizarre it became instant Premier League folklore.

Then there's the tragicomic header from Manchester City's Jamie Pollock in 1998. With City fighting relegation, Pollock attempted to clear a QPR cross. Instead, he executed a stunning, Gazza-esque flick over his own head, looping the ball gracefully over his goalkeeper. The sheer artistry of the mistake made it uniquely painful for City fans, even though the club was ultimately relegated.

So, where does Fernandes's 45-yard special rank? It certainly belongs in the pantheon for its sheer audacity and distance. It had the perfect blend of a misplaced pass and an unstoppable trajectory. While debates over the "worst" will rage forever in pubs and online forums, Fernandes has undoubtedly secured his place in football's hall of infamy with a single, unforgettable kick.