FIFA revealed the 10 nominees in the running for the 2016 Puskas Award, with Lionel Messi, Neymar, Saul Niguez, and Hal Robson-Kanu headlining the list of those in contention for the coveted title of best goal of the year.
(Courtesy: FIFA)
Argentine star Messi earned the nod for his sumptuous free-kick in the Copa America Centenario against the United States, while club teammate Neymar is in the running after his absurd solo tally against Villarreal, in which he beat a defender with a sombrero flick before volleying home.
Blossoming Atletico Madrid star Saul is in with a shout after his winding run against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season, while Welsh forward Robson-Kanu scored arguably the most important goal of any on the list when he left three Belgian defenders in his wake with a Cruyff Turn in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
The list will be whittled down to three finalists on Dec. 2.
Footage of each goal can be viewed here.
The complete list – with descriptions – is as follows:
Mario Gaspar (Spain) – Spain vs. England, international friendly
Hlompho Kekana (South Africa) – Cameroon vs. South …read more