Puskas Award Contenders: Who Deserves the Recognition This Year?
The 2021 FIFA Best awards were canceled due to the ongoing health crisis, significantly impacting the timing and presentation of the prestigious Puskas Award. This award, known for honoring the most aesthetically pleasing goal of the year, usually draws a global audience eager to witness incredible football feats.
Who Would Have Won the 2021 Puskas Award?
With the FIFA Best awards delayed, the Puskas Award remains up for grabs, capturing the imagination of football fans once again. Who among these nominees stands out? Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders.
Dundalk’s Jordan Flores vs Shamrock Rovers
Maximizing his verticality, midfielder Jordan Flores secured madness with an outrageous volley. This shot, characterized by perfect timing and power, is a contender even without the official award's qualification.
Newcastle United’s Kevin D Briefne vs Newcastle United
Kevin D Briefne has not been outdone. A fantastic volley that finds its way to the top left corner demonstrates his technical prowess. Matches quality with Flores’ effort but has that slight edge in terms of impact and crowd reaction.
RB Salzburg’s Pedro vs RB Salzburg
Pedro’s backheel chip is notable but not as spectacular as the other nominees. It’s a great shot but falls short in comparison to the other nominated goals.
Real Mallorca’s Suarez vs Real Mallorca
Despite being chip-like, Suarez’s backheel is a highlight in his career. His goal is lighter in terms of skill and technique compared to other nominees, though it is still impressive.
Deportivo’s Christian Santos vs Huerta
A bicycle kick that is near impossible to replicate, Christian Santos’ goal is a visual delight. It’s unique and mesmerizing, capturing the imagination of viewers around the world. A standout contender for the Puskas Award.
Valencia CF’s Toni Kroos vs Valencia CF
One of the toughest goals to execute, Toni Kroos flawlessly slots the ball into the goal. This effortless and graceful performance makes it a top contender for the Puskas Award. Kroos is at his best, delivering a masterclass in technical skill.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min vs Burnley FC
Son Heung-min’s goal is a testament to his dribbling abilities. A magnificent solo run past 70 meters in the Premier League, while impressive, might not have garnered the same attention as Messi’s solo goals, suggesting a slightly lower chance of winning the award.
Who Should Have Won the Puskas Award: Messi’s Solo Goal?
Some fans believe Lionel Messi should be the recipient of the 2021 Puskas Award. Their reasoning is based on the quality and uniqueness of his solo goal during a cup final. Despite Messi not playing for Barcelona during the 2021 season, his goal against Athletic Bilbao is undoubtedly a classic. It involved a remarkable dribble past four defenders, followed by a strike beyond the goalkeeper. HIS solo effort was a sheer display of class and skill, carrying the ball the entire length of the field without any help from teammates.
The question remains: would Messi have won if the nominations were voted on during the regular season? Messi’s goal was exceptional, but the voting patterns and the criteria of the award might have favored other goals that managed to capture the imagination of the general public, despite not being as technical as Messi's.
Nonetheless, the passion and admiration for each goal highlight the diverse and often spectacular nature of football. The Puskas Award remains a testament to the artistry and skill of the sport, encouraging players and fans alike to continue striving for the next incredible goal.