Puskas beckons Messi, Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic netted with a balletic volley for LA Galaxy in Toronto in Major League Soccer
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AFP) — Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are the star names on the 10-player shortlist announced by the International Football Association (FIFA) for its Puskas Award for Goal of the Year.
Three women and five men with goals scored between 16 July 2018 and 19
July 2019 will join the two
superstars.
There are nominees from the Bundesliga, Spanish Liga and women’s World Cup and one, a jaw-dropping shot by Billie Simpson of Cliftonville Ladies from a Northern Ireland women’s league game played on what appears to be a public pitch in front of no spectators.
Messi, who has yet to win the award, earned a seventh nomination with a delicate chip for Barcelona against Betis in Seville.
Ibrahimovic netted with a balletic volley for LA Galaxy in Toronto in Major League Soccer.
The award, which was established in 2009, is named after the legendary Hungary, Spain and Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskas.
Fans can vote until 1 September on the 10 candidates nominated by FIFA. The governing body of world football will then choose between the top three vote getters.
The two other women candidates are Ajara Nchout for a dribble and shot for Cameroon against New Zealand in the World Cup and Amy Rodriguez of Utah for a dribble and long-range shot in the US National Women’s Soccer League.