Arsenal's Giroud captures Puskas Award
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud was named the recipient of the 2017 Puskas Award during Monday's The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London, England.
Giroud received the annual distinction honouring the best goal of the year for his stunning match-winning scorpion-kick finish against Crystal Palace during the 2016-17 Premier League campaign.
Not voted for this moment of @_OlivierGiroud_ magic to win the Puskas Award yet?
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 11, 2017
Just click here 👉 https://t.co/BiF2nWnJ5E#NaNaNaNaa 🦂 pic.twitter.com/w0NfLm6aoP
Giroud is the ninth winner of the award, and the second Premier League player to take the accolade after Cristiano Ronaldo won the inaugural distinction in 2009 whilst with Manchester United.
The France international beat out teenage Venezuelan international star Deyna Castellanos - also one of three nominees for Women's Player of Year - and Baroka shot-stopper Oscarine Masuluke for the annual award determined by an online vote.
¡Orgullo! Deyna Castellanos entre los tres finalistas para el Premio Puskas al mejor gol del año https://t.co/Z2MZ3v9lhK #Deportes pic.twitter.com/Kk4FBPcY8Q
— Notitarde (@webnotitarde) October 9, 2017
The Arsenal forward faced stiff competition from Castellanos, 18, whose audacious goal from the halfway line against Cameroon in the Under-17 Women's World Cup came moments after the opponent bagged a stoppage-time equaliser.
Have you voted for Oscarine Masuluke's sensational bicycle kick in the FIFA Puskás Awards? If not click here >> https://t.co/QOPIsBv3XM pic.twitter.com/JrQliS3J7z
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) October 18, 2017
Masaluke's effort in a South African Premier League clash was similarly steeped in context, as the 'keeper's unconventional goal levelled matters in the final minute against domestic giant Orlando Pirates - with bonus points for the celebration.