In its fourth year, the Puskás Award award is FIFA’s celebration of the the most aesthetically significantly goal of the year*. Named in honor of legendary Hungarian and Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskás, who’s propensity to hit the back of the net yielded close to a goal per game of his 23-year career, the award already has a roll call of impressive ilk with Cristiano Ronaldo, Hamit Altintop, and Neymar previous winners.
This years nominations have been whittled down to three with Brazilian wizz kid Neymar in contention to take out the award for the second year running. Check out the nominees.
Neymar – March 7, 2012 – Santos FC vs. Internacional, 2012 Copa Libertadores
Neymar’s mind boggling solo effort has a distinct under 8’s gun humiliating the entire uncoordinated opposition team feel about it. Starting his run from inside his own half, Neymar pretty much dribbles in and around the every other player on the field on his way to the goal.
Radamel Falcao – May 19, 2012 – Atlético Madrid vs. America de Cali, Friendly
The perfect mix of athleticism, power, and precision.
iroslav Stoch – March 3, 2012 – Fenerbahçe vs. Gençlerbirli?i, Turkish Süper Lig
A great long range effort. Needs power to beat the goalie from that range and that poor dude didn’t stand a chance
You can vote for your favourite at the FIFA website.
* Goals judged between July 2011 and July 2012 ensuring that Zlatan Ibrahimovic “goal of the year” may indeed still be the best of the year. But in next year’s edition. Ya dig?
Picture by ATP/Getty Images
