The shortlist for the UEFA Goal of the Season award was unveiled Tuesday, with wonder goals from the likes of Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain comprising a portion of this past season’s best goals.
Voters have until Aug. 23 to visit the European governing body’s website to select the winner.
Here’s a look at some of the best goals from the 10 candidates vying to win:
Marek Hamsik vs. Russia
Hamsik‘s bullet, from a tight angle, into the top corner proved to be the difference against Russia during Slovakia‘s 2-1 win at Euro 2016. Already enjoying a one-goal advantage, the Napoli playmaker was the recipient of a short corner before darting into the box and unleashing an unstoppable shot to make it 2-0 at the break.
The effort was integral in helping the nation advance to the knockout as Slovakia ensured a berth into the Round of 16 with a goalless draw in the next match against England.
Marek Hamsik hits a brutal one vs Russia in a 2–1 win.
Play #DFS soccer: https://t.co/Z69FzUVTPJ pic.twitter.com/nlFE7uDtli— The Fantasy Football (@TheFantasyFB) June 16, 2016
Xherdan Shaqiri vs. Poland
It may have occurred during a losing effort, but Shaqiri‘s acrobatic effort was a goal worthy of winning any match.
With elimination from Euro 2016 eight minutes away, Shaqiri sent the Swiss support into a frenzy when he instinctively pulled off a bicycle kick to bring the match level against Poland.
Shaqiri vs Poland pic.twitter.com/uxNSdWMSPt
— Alexis17Editor™ (@Alexis17Editor) July 13, 2016
Saul Niguez vs. Bayern Munich
Four defenders and the ‘keeper. That’s the challenge Niguez faced en route to scoring one of the best goals of the Champions League during Atletico Madrid‘s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
The 21-year-old looked like a seasoned veteran as he sliced through Bayern’s helpless defence to shock the German champions 11 minutes into the semi-final tie in Madrid with a goal that proved to be the winner.
Gonzalo Higuain vs. Legia Warsaw
Higuain showed his tremendous footwork against Legia Warsaw before scoring a screamer in Napoli‘s 2-0 win during the Europa League stage.
The former Napoli striker, who joined Juventus on Tuesday, couldn’t be touched as he patiently tormented defenders at the top of the box, on his way to thumping in a curler.
Higuain: “The goal I scored against Legia Warsaw was one of the best goals of my entire career!” pic.twitter.com/Bs8HR5tpGq
— Marco Messina (@Marcocalcio22) October 3, 2015
Lionel Messi vs. Roma
Barcelona’s 6-1 thrashing of Roma was highlighted by Messi’s bit of magic went he capped off a devastating attack with a chip to beat the ‘keeper.
Making his two-goal performance even more impressive was that the encounter was Messi’s second match back after spending two months out with an injury.
Messi’s goal against Roma is among the 10 nominees for Uefa best goal of the season.
pic.twitter.com/fgihR5LtSy— Penya FCB de Beirut (@PenyaFCBBeirut) July 26, 2016
The other five candidates can be found at UEFA’s official website.
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