The Puskás Award, named for former Hungarian great Ferenc Puskás, was established by FIFA in 2009 to honor the player judged to have scored the most “aesthetically significant” goal of the year. Last year’s winner (shown above) was James Rodríguez’ goal tallied in Colombia’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay in the World Cup.
This year’s ten nominees are led by none other than Argentinian striker Lionel Messi, who has made a career out of making spectacular goals look routine. You can vote for your favorite at FIFA’s web site. The final three will be announced on November 30.
[fusion_title size=”4″]LIONEL MESSI[/fusion_title]
An individual goal of spectacular skill and class, Messi’s mazy run and near-post goal for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao in Spain’s Copa Del Rey will live long in the memory.
[fusion_title size=”4″]CARLI LLOYD[/fusion_title]
One of the most famous goals in women’s football history, Carli Lloyd’s amazing chip shot from the halfway line against Japan in the Final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 punctuated the USA’s world championship.
[fusion_title size=”4″]GONZALO CASTRO[/fusion_title]
Gonzalo Chory Castro’s lashing strike for Real Sociedad against Deportivo de la Coruna in Spain’s La Liga was part volley, part angled shot and all brilliant timing and technique.
[fusion_title size=”4″]CARLOS TEVEZ[/fusion_title]
After an awesomely direct and athletic run, Juventus’ Carlos Tevez hopped around the last Parma defender in Serie A and finished his memorable goal with a definitive blast.
[fusion_title size=”4″]ESTEBAN RAMIREZ[/fusion_title]
A running, juggling effort from 25 metres out, Herediano’s Esteban Ramirez somehow managed a volley so precise no goalkeeper in the world could have stopped it in Costa Rica’s Primera Division.
[fusion_title size=”4″]PHILIPPE MEXES[/fusion_title]
A wildly acrobatic achievement, Philippe Mexes’ 20-metre scissor kick direct from a corner for AC Milan against Inter left supporters in the stands and players on the pitch during the International Champions Cup stunned.
[fusion_title size=”4″]WENDELL LIRA[/fusion_title]
Twisting and turning through the air, Lira managed this nimble half-bicycle kick on his way to ground for Goianesia in Brazil’s Goiano.
[fusion_title size=”4″]DAVID BALL[/fusion_title]
A nifty piece of skill opened space for David Ball, who lofted the sweetest shot imaginable for Fleetwood Town against Preston North End in England’s League One.
[fusion_title size=”4″]ALESSANDRO FLORENZI[/fusion_title]
An almost impossibly perfect long shot, Alessandro Florenzi’s blast from just inside the halfway line for Roma against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League is one to watch over and over.
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