Scoring a memorable and visually stunning goal is a dream for many footballers, and for several Ghanaian players, that dream has been realised through nominations for the prestigious FIFA Puskas Award.
This annual accolade is presented to the player who scores the most aesthetically significant and beautiful goal of the year. Here are five Ghanaian footballers who have earned a place in the history of the Puskas Award.
1. Michael Essien (2009)
Michael Essien’s thunderous volley against Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League semifinals remains one of the most iconic goals in football history. The Chelsea midfielder’s stunning strike to break the deadlock at Stamford Bridge earned him a Puskas Award nomination. Although Chelsea did not progress to the final, Essien’s memorable goal cemented his place as one of Ghana’s greatest footballing talents.
2. Agyemang Badu (2012)
Former Udinese midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu’s incredible long-range strike against Guinea in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier garnered international recognition. Badu’s audacious volley, flicking a half-clearance on the edge of the penalty area and finding the top corner, earned him a nomination for the Puskas Award that year, showcasing his remarkable skill and technique.
3. Kevin-Prince Boateng (2017)
Kevin-Prince Boateng’s acrobatic bicycle kick for Las Palmas in La Liga against Villarreal in 2017 was nothing short of spectacular. The goal, scored in an electrifying display of athleticism, earned the Ghanaian midfielder a Puskas nomination. Although Boateng’s goal was ultimately overshadowed by Olivier Giroud’s winning strike, it remains a standout moment in his career.
4. Sandra Owusu Ansah (2021)
In 2021, Sandra Owusu Ansah made history as the first female Ghanaian player to be nominated for the Puskas Award. Her sensational 40-yard strike for Supreme Ladies against Kumasi Sports Academy in the Ghana Women’s Premier League caught the attention of FIFA’s voting panel. Owusu Ansah’s goal demonstrated her exceptional skill and was one of the top 11 goals of the 2020/2021 season.
5. Mohammed Kudus (2024)
Mohammed Kudus’ breathtaking solo goal for West Ham United against Freiburg in the 2023/24 Europa League has earned him a nomination for the Puskas Award in 2024. Kudus weaved his way through a sea of Freiburg defenders from his own half before slotting home with his weaker foot in a sensational display of skill and composure. The goal not only secured West Ham’s Goal of the Season but has now placed Kudus in the running for the coveted Puskas Award.
These five Ghanaian footballers have showcased incredible talent, and their remarkable goals have rightfully earned them a place among the world’s best. The FIFA Puskas Award continues to celebrate the beauty of football, and these players have certainly made their mark on its legacy.
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