FIFA Puskas Award: Best goals of 2015 award nominees

Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi caused a Champions League frenzy in their clash with reigning champions Barcelona, with his strike from just inside the half-way line. The Italian’s goal is worth watching over and over again, unless you’re Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Although, the beaten goalkeeper’s Barca side are still 3/1 favourites for the European crown once again.

Gonzalo Castro, Real Sociedad

Simply sit back and enjoy Gonzalo Chory Castro’s lashing strike for Real Sociedad against Deportivo La Coruna in a La Liga encounter.

Wendell Lira, Goianesia

Twisting and turning in mid-air, Wendell Lira was able to incredibly fire in a bicycle-kick form close-range, after nifty attacking play with his Goianesia teammates in Brazil’s Goiano.

Carli Lloyd, USA

US women’s star Carli Lloyd is in with a shout after her outrageous effort from the halfway line in the Women’s World Cup final against Japan. A worthy nomination!

Lionel Messi, Barcelona

Another FIFA award and another Lionel Messi nomination, of course. The Argentine can’t have much room left in his ever-growing trophy cabinet, but he may have to find space after his dazzling solo goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Cup final. He is also odds-on 1/5 favourite to clinch the Ballon d’Or.

Philippe Mexes, AC Milan

Despite plying his trade as a defender, AC Milan’s Philippe Mexes blasted home a sensational volley to make even the great Johan Cruyff envious! Watch as Mexes leaves supporters in the stands and players on the pitch during the International Champions Cup completely stunned.

Marcel Ndjeng, SC Paderborn

Last year, Ireland’s Stephanie Roache proved that a player from any division can make this list with one ferocious swing of their boot, providing a camera is there to capture it. This year, Marcel Ndjeng’s audacious strike from a pre-season friendly against Bolton Wanderers has stolen the spotlight. And you can see exactly why!

Marcel Ndjeng on the Puskás Award shortlist too https://t.co/3klkqpud7l https://t.co/9xtF7HPgmh

— James Dart (@James_Dart) November 6, 2015

Esteban Ramirez, Herediano

After running and controlling beyond a defender’s reach, Esteban Ramirez somehow volleyed home from 25 yards to leave the goalkeeper completely helpless.

Carlos Tevez, Juventus

Before finally jetting back to his homeland of Argentina to rejoin Boca Juniors in the summer, Tevez amazingly made the Puskas list with this truly sublime solo strike. The former Premier League hitman picked the ball up in his own half and proceeded to leave the Parma defence in disarray, before clinically slotting home.

Related

Read our Champions League archive

See what the 2014 Puskas nominations were