Messi, Neymar, Robson-Kanu highlight shortlist for FIFA Puskas Award
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 Africa, African Nations Cup qualifier
Marlone (Brazil) - Corinthians vs. Cobresal, Copa Libertadores
Lionel Messi (Argentina) - USA vs. Argentina, Copa America Centenario semifinal
Neymar (Brazil) - Barcelona vs. Villarreal, La Liga (Spain)
Saul Niguez (Spain) - Atletico Madrid vs. Bayern Munich, Champions League
Hal Robson-Kanu (Wales) - Wales vs. Belgium, Euro 2016
Daniuska Rodriguez (Venezuela) - Venezuela vs. Colombia, South American U17 Women's Football Championship
Simon Skrabb (Finland) - Gefle vs. Atvidaberg, Allsvenskan league
Mohd Faiz Subri (Malaysia) - Penang v. Pahang, Malaysia Super League