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FIFA in 2009 announced a new award for the most beautiful goal scored in a calendar year called the Puskas award which has gained importance over the years. Since 09, FIFA releases a list of 10 nominees which is available for the supporters on FIFA.com to vote for the goal they think was the best of the lot. This award which was the brainchild of Sepp Blatter released the nominees of 10 best goals scored in 2016 which includes some sensational strikes.
Firstly it's a Lionel Messi beauty as he scored a brilliant free kick against the United States in the semifinals of the Copa America Centenario held this summer. The Argentine scored from at least 30 yards as he took an aim at Brad Guzan's near post and got the better of the custodian in a fine fashion. Neymar's audacious flick, spin and volley in their league game against Villarreal is also on the list which is sure to garner a lot of votes.
Joining the two of the best players in the world is Mario Gaspar who scored an unbelievable overhead kick against England for which the keeper had absolutely no answer. Atletico Madrid beat Bayern Munich in the knockout stages of the Champions League last season as Saul Miguel scored a stunning solo goal for which even Manuel Neuer could not have done anything also makes the list.
Euro 2016 was an action-packed tournament with Wales being the surprise underdogs to reach the semifinals. In their quarterfinal against Belgium, Hal Robson-Kanu scored past Thibaut Courtois with ease thanks to a thrilling Cryuff turn is included in the top 10. In the African Cup of Nations qualifier between South Africa and Cameroon, Hlompho Kekana's remarkable strike also makes the cut.
Corinthians' Marlone and Atvidaberg's Simon Skrabb are the other two nominations who scored out of the world volleys to send their supporters into Euphoria. Mohammed Faiz Subri scored a vicious swerving free kick from at least 40 yards for Penang in the Malaysian Super League can be said as the goal which may get the highest votes. Venezuela's Daniuska Rodriguez against Colombia in the South American Under-17 Women's Football Championship is the final nomination for this season's Puskas award.
The deadline to vote for your favourite goal is December 2 on FIFA.com as a three-man shortlist will then be made from the current ten nominations. These top three goals will progress into the final round with further votes to be counted before the Best FIFA Football Awards in Zurich on January 9. In the past, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have won the Puskas award with some big names fighting for this year's coveted prize.
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