The remarkable goal scored by Algerian international midfielder Yassine Benzia during a friendly match against South Africa, which ended in a 3-3 draw last March, has been chosen by FIFA as one of the eleven nominees for the prestigious Puskás Award. This award recognizes the most aesthetically pleasing goal of the year as part of The Best awards.
While playing for Qarabag FK in Azerbaijan’s top division, Benzia found the back of the net in the 70th minute, equalizing the score at 3-3 during the FIFA-Series 2024 tournament held on March 26 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Receiving a pass from Bakrar with his back to the goal, the former Lyon player deftly lifted the ball with his right foot and executed an astounding bicycle kick with his left foot to score.
Benzia is vying for this accolade alongside ten other talented players: Argentine Gustavo Bou, Qatari Hassan Al-Haydos, Italian Federico Dimarco, Australian Terry Antonis, Honduran Michaell Chirinos, Argentine Alejandro Garnacho, Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus, Ugandan Denis Omedi, Nigerian Paul Onuachu, and Englishman Jaden Philogene.
Voting for the various categories is now open on FIFA’s official website, enabling football fans to engage in a unique way, as emphasized by the international organization.
Voting for the Marta Award (for the best goal scored by a female player) and the Puskás Award will be evenly distributed between football fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.
The FIFA Award will be presented to the player who scores the most outstanding goal within the designated period, regardless of their league affiliation or nationality.
Voting will remain open until Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 11:59 PM on FIFA’s official website, the statement concluded.
