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As football fans, we are treated to some marvelous feats of talent, skill, and physical dexterity every year. Volleys, headers, free kicks, long-range goals, you name it and every week there is a constant supply of the best type of goals. Despite all the competition though, every year, a few goals stand out in terms of the occasion, the importance of the goal and sometimes the sheer genius behind it.
The Puskas award, in the honor of Ferenc Puskas, was introduced in 2009 and since then it marks the best goal scored in the preceding year. There have been some absolute belters which have won the award over the years including Ronaldo’s bullet from range against Porto in 2009, Rooney’s wondrous bicycle against Man City, and most recently Olivier Giroud’s scorpion kick for Arsenal.
We take a look at the 10 best goals of the year gone by, which are the nominees for the Puskas award. Before that we revisit Giroud’s moment of magic.
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Olivier Giroud vs Crystal Palace
The Frenchman’s Scorpion came right off the back of Henrikh Mkhitaryan's moment of brilliance against Sunderland, not only was Giroud’s attempt tougher to execute it was also not offside. A true moment of genius and improvisation
Mohammed Salah vs Everton
The Egyptian King had probably the best season any player has had individually in the Premier League in a long long time. Breaking the record for the number of goals scored in a 38 game season, scoring 32. One of those goals was a sublime effort against Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield. One of Salah’s moments of the season and truly beautiful goal to look at.
Denis Cheryshev vs Croatia
Russia was a truly great host at the World Cup. Part of this hospitality was due to the feel-good factor bought back to the footballing scene by their national team’s run to the Quarter Final where they bowed out against eventual runners-up Croatia on penalties. One of the best Russian moments came when Cheryshev played a smart one-two with Dzyuba and fired past Subasic in the top corner. A moment for the Russian archives.
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos vs Olympiacos
The bamboozling effect Lazaros’ surname had on your tongue can be directly compared to what the keeper experienced as the Greek’s freekick dipped and swerved in an almost artificial manner, finally nestling in the top corner.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta vs America-MG
Who doesn’t like a sweetly struck volley? The sound of the ball leaving the leg with the correct timing is one of the best if you are into football. Something tending to perfection served up here from the South Americas as Arrascaeta adjusted extremely well to fire in a tough chance.
Riley McGree vs Melbourne City
McGree is another unknown quantity in this list, but his is a goal you must have probably seen earlier. Conjuring up an unexpected scorpion kick from the edge of the box dinking it over the opposition keeper. Freakish brilliance or a complete fluke, whatever side you choose, the entertainment is undeniable.
Lionel Messi vs Nigeria
Argentian were dismal at the World Cup, any spark to their game was brought by the undeniable talent that is Messi. After being at the cusp of elimination after the first 2 games, it was Messi who dragged his teammates back into contention as he smoothly received Banega’s tracer bullet of a pass on his thigh before setting up the shot in almost the same movement and finding the corner soon after. A great world cup goal lost in the mess of Argentine football.
Benjamin Pavard vs Argentina
One of the finds of the World Cup was France’s young right back Pavard who proved a consistent cog in the French juggernaut. His best moment came in the quarter final against Argentina where he gave a mini masterclass in how to execute a half volley under pressure. One for the purists.
Ricardo Quaresma vs Iran
Ricardo Quaresma is one of the few who have scored on their first World Cup start. To bad for him that it came at an age for the 31-year-old who was once believed to be at par with Cristiano Ronaldo if not more talented. He showed us a glimpse of what he can do, exchanging passes before bending in an absolute beauty with the outside of his right boot.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Juventus
Probably the goal which gave life to the Knockout stage of the season gone by in the UCL. A moment appreciated by supporting and opposition fans alike, which truly highlighted the athletic as well as the anticipation which the Portuguese talent possesses. Who knew he’d be playing for the same Juventus fans a few months later.
Gareth Bale vs Liverpool
If Ronaldo set the benchmark for bicycle goals in big Champions league games then Gareth Bale absolutely smashed it in the Final of all places. Unfortunately, it was Karius who stole the headlines that night, but ideally nothing should take the gloss away from what I believe was the best goal ever scored in a Champions League final.
