Mahrez from Algeria and Ghanaian striker, Owusu-Ansah, made the list of nominees for the 2021 Puskás Award, which was released by FIFA on Monday
By Kehinde Okeowo
FIFA on Monday announced 11 nominees for the Puskás Award 2021. Two of the candidates, Riyad Mahrez (ALG) and Sandra Owusu-Ansah (GHA), are from Africa.
The FIFA Puskás Award is an award given to the male or female judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or “most beautiful” goal of the calendar year
The winner will be selected by an international jury comprising a panel of FIFA Legends and registered fans from all over the world on FIFA.com.
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FIFA had, last Monday, announced candidates for other categories, such as Men’s Best Coach, goalkeepers, and others, but left out the Puskás Award.
Below are the 11 nominees shortlisted for the 2021 Puskás Award, their respective countries, the games, and dates in which the goals were scored:
1. Luis Díaz (COL): Brazil v. Colombia [CONMEBOL Copa América] (23 June 2021)
2. Gauthier Hein (FRA): Chamois Niortais FC v. AJ Auxerre [Ligue 2] (April 10, 2021)
3. Érik Lamela (ARG): Arsenal FC v. Tottenham Hotspur FC [Premier League] (March 14, 2021)
4. Valentino Lazaro (AUT): Bayer 04 Leverkusen v. Borussia VfL 1900 Mönchengladbach [Bundesliga] (November 8, 2020)
5. Riyad Mahrez (ALG): Zimbabwe v. Algeria [CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying] (November 16, 2020)
6. Sandra Owusu-Ansah (GHA): Kumasi Sports Academy Ladies FC v. Supreme Ladies FC [Ghana Women’s Premier League] (May 8, 2021)
7. Vangelis Pavlidis (GRE): Willem II v. Fortuna Sittard [Eredivisie] (May 16, 2021)
8. Daniela Sánchez (MEX): Querétaro FC v. Atlético de San Luis [Liga MX Femenil] (January 16, 2021)
9. Patrik Schick (CZE): the Czech Republic v. Scotland [UEFA EURO 2020] (June 14, 2021)
10. Mehdi Taremi (IRN): Chelsea FC v. FC Porto [UEFA Champions League] (April 13, 2021)
11. Caroline Weir (SCO): Manchester City WFC v. Manchester United WFC [FA Women’s Super League] (February 12, 2021)
The FIFA Puskás Award was established on, October 20, 2009, by FIFA, at the behest of then-president Sepp Blatter.