GOAL ACE OLLIE IS A GLOBAL HIT
A TWEET from FIFA was the moment when Ollie Babington realised he’d done some seriously special.
The 34-year-old scored a 45yard wonder goal for Clevedon Town last weekend which quickly went viral around the world.
It was picked up by football’s governing body, who broadcast the strike to their
14 million followers and hinted it could be a contender for their next Puskas Award.
“I thought someone was on the wind-up in the group chat when they sent it across!” Babington told The NLP. “Then I realised it actually was FIFA and they’d commented about it. Imagine going to the ceremony and sitting around all these professional footballers who have got the world at their feet! It would be a great story.
“The past few days have been mental. I’ve had so many different news outlets, radio, TV, talking about it and asking me to do interviews. It’s been surreal.”
The goal, a dipping volley which helped Clevedon on their way to a 4-2 victory over Buckland Athletic, has collectively been viewed well over a million times with Babington still watching it back himself.
“I’ve seen it probably 100 times,” he said. “Every time I watch it I think, ‘How have I shot from there? That’s outrageous.’ But I like spectacular efforts, and I’m always trying them in training.”
Babington is finally back playing after an injury-plagued spell which included rupturing his groin and a hamstring strain.
He even managed to break a bone in his foot while out walking his dog but is now making the most of his remaining days in football. “I started off the season scoring three in three but then had another injury for a month,” said Babington. “When I came back we needed some help in defence and they put me in at centre-back. “Playing in that position, it isn’t all about pace, it’s more about reading the game and being able to affect it from the back.
“A few people have said to me, since the goal, hang up the boots, get them signed or sell them on eBay! But I’m going to try and play as high as I can for as long as I can.”