Ghanaian international Mohammed Kudus’ top class finish against German side SC Freiburg in last season’s Europa League has been nominated for the famous PUSKAS Award.
Kudus meandered his way past a host of Freiburg players from his own area before tucking home with his weaker right foot in the quarter-finals of the competition last term.
The goal won West Ham United’s goal of the season, and he will now face stiff opposition from his competitors from other clubs and countries for the prestigious accolade .
Other African players on the list are Nigeria’s Paul Onauchu, Uganda’s Dennis Omedi, and Algeria’s Yassine Benzia.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho’s overhead kick strike against Everton is among the nominated goals as well.
Hassan Al Haydos of Qatar, Inter Milan’s Federico DiMarco, Terry Antonis of Australia, Walter Bou of Argentina, Michaell Chirinos of Honduras and Hull City’s Jaden Philogene make up the tall list of players set to battle it out for the PUSKAS award.
The Puskas Award is awarded by FIFA in honor of Hungarian football icon, Ferenc Puskas . Ferenc Puskas was a Hungarian international who played as a striker and terrorised defences across Europe during the 50s and 60s, playing most famously for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The annual award was presented for the first time during the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year Gala on 21 December in Switzerland with Portuguese maestro Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro becoming the first player to win the top accolade 15 years ago after scoring a long range drive from 40 yards against FC Porto in the Champions League.
The winner will be presented with the award at the FIFA Awards to be held in January 2025.
Story By: Andrews Addotey (Ghana Net)
