Brentford Women’s striker Ashley Cheatley has been shortlisted alongside stars Declan Rice and Lamine Yamal as Fifa announced nominees for the Puskas and Marta Awards, recognising the standout goals scored over the past year.
Cheatley’s Overhead Kick Earns Recognition
Cheatley’s spectacular finish in the Women’s FA Cup has placed the fifth-tier forward among elite company. Against Ascot United in November 2024, the 30-year-old controlled a difficult bouncing pass, lifted the ball into the air and executed an acrobatic overhead effort with her back to goal. Her strike is one of the nominees for the Marta Award, which honours the best goal in women’s football.
She joins Brazilian legend Marta and Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle on the shortlist. Ovalle, now with Orlando Pride, scored a remarkable backheeled volley for Tigres in Liga MX Femenil, twisting mid-air to redirect a near-post cross beyond the Guadalajara goalkeeper.
Marta, for whom the award is named, is also nominated after a brilliant solo run in the NWSL. The 39-year-old surged from inside the centre circle, deceived two defenders with a feint, and calmly rounded the keeper before slotting home.
Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw and Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey also feature among the women’s contenders after scoring impressive goals in European competition.
Rice and Yamal in Puskas Contention
In the men’s category, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal headline the Puskas Award list.
Rice is included for his second free-kick against Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League—an unstoppable 30-yard strike that flew into the top corner. Yamal’s nomination comes from his superb solo goal at Espanyol, where the winger cut inside from the right and curled a left-footed shot into the far top corner.
The Puskas list also features bicycle kicks from Brazilian Serie A forward Alerrandro (Vitoria) and Independiente striker Santiago Montiel (Argentina), while Atlas defender Carlos Orrantia is recognised for his stunning chest control, flick, and 25-yard volley against Queretaro in Liga MX.
Voting Details
Goals scored between 11 August 2024 and 2 August 2025 were eligible. Winners in both categories will be selected through a combination of global fan voting and a panel of Fifa-appointed former players.
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