Superstars James Rodriguez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic lead a list of ten candidates for the Puskas Prize for the best goal of 2014 but face competition from little-known Irish women’s international Stephanie Roche.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Ibrahimovic, won the award in 2013 for his spectacular long range goal against England in a friendly, and is back in the running this year thanks to his back-heeled volley against Bastia in a French league game.
Rodriguez, who joined Real Madrid from Monaco in the off-season, thanks in part to his skilful control and volleyed goal for Colombia against Uruguay in the World Cup, is on the list thanks to what was voted the best goal of the tournament.
Tim Cahill’s volley for Australia, in a 3-2 World Cup defeat against the Netherlands, and Dutchman Robin van Persie who scored a fantastic diving header in the 5-1 win over Spain are also favourites for the award.
Also featuring in Wednesday’s list released by FIFA was one woman with Ireland’s Roche getting the nod for her juggle and strike for Peamount United against Wexford Youths in the Irish women’s league in October 2013.
The vote will be an online poll with the winning goal and top three to be announced on January 12 at the ceremony for the Ballon d’Or.
Top 10 goals
- Tim Cahill (AUS), Australia–Netherlands, 2014 World Cup (June 18, 2014)
- Diego Costa (ESP), Atletico Madrid–Getafe, La Liga (November 23, 2013)
- Marco Fabian (MEX), Cruz Azul–Puebla, Mexican championship (February 15, 2014)
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE), Paris SG–Bastia, Ligue 1 (October 19, 2013)
- Pajtim Kasami (SUI), Crystal Palace–Fulham, English Premier League (October 21,, 2013)
- Stephanie Roche (IRL), Peamount United–Wexford Youths, Irish women’s championship (October 20, 2013)
- James Rodriguez (COL), Colombia–Uruguay, 2014 World Cup (June 28, 2014)
- Camilo Sanvezzo (BRA), Vancouver Whitecaps–Portland Timbers, Major League Soccer (October 6, 2013)
- Hisato Sato (JPN), Sanfrecce Hiroshima–Kawasaki Frontale, Japanese J-League (March 8, 2014)
- Robin van Persie (NED), Spain–Netherlands, 2014 World Cup (June 13 2014)
Former winners
- 2013: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE)
- 2012: Miroslav Stoch (SVK)
- 2011: Neymar (BRA)
- 2010: Hamit Altintop (TUR)
- 2009: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR)
