Yamal and Marta Nominated for Prestigious FIFA Awards

Lamine Yamal has been nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award, honoring the best men’s goal of the previous season. Simultaneously, Brazilian legend Marta is shortlisted for the FIFA Marta Award, the women’s accolade named in her honor.

The Barcelona prodigy Yamal’s nomination stems from a remarkable goal scored against Espanyol in May. He executed a signature curling shot with his left foot after maneuvering past the defense from the right flank.

Marta’s nomination highlights a stunning goal during the semifinals of last year’s NWSL playoffs. Receiving the ball at the center circle, she sprinted forward, skillfully dribbled past two defenders, rounded the goalkeeper, and scored into an empty net, leading the Orlando Pride to victory over the Kansas City Current and securing a place in the NWSL championship.

FIFA has announced 11 nominees for each award, with the voting process involving fans and a panel of former international players. Fans can cast their votes online, and the deadline for submissions is December 3. It remains uncertain whether FIFA will present the awards during the men’s World Cup tournament draw, which will take place two days later in Washington, D.C. in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Other notable nominees for the men’s award include Declan Rice from Arsenal for his free kick against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals and Lucas Ribeiro for his solo effort from the center circle to score for Mamelodi Sundowns against Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup.

For the FIFA Marta Award, Ally Sentnor is recognized for her swerving shot against Colombia at the SheBelieves Cup, while Vivianne Miedema’s floated strike for the Netherlands against Wales during the Women’s European Championship also receives a nomination.

This report utilizes information from The Associated Press.