ZURICH: Superstar forwards Lionel Messi, Neymar and Wayne Rooney featured on the 10-goal shortlist published by FIFA on Friday competing to be chosen the best scored in 2011.
Messi was nominated for a strike featuring delicate skill for Barcelona against Arsenal in the Champions League; Neymar for a solo goal for Santos against Flamengo; and Wayne Rooney for his overhead kick in a Premier League Manchester derby match.
Inter Milan’s Dejan Stankovic was nominated for volleying in from 50 meters (yards) against Schalke in the Champions League.
United States forward Heather O’Reilly was selected for a long-range strike against Colombia in the Women’s World Cup.
Mexico’s Giovani Dos Santos was nominated for his floated chip shot over the United States defense in the Gold Cup final.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made the list for his goal for AC Milan against Lecce in a Serie A match, and Benjamin De Ceulaer was chosen for scoring in a Belgian League match for Lokeren against Bruges.
Two more overhead kicks featured: by Julio Gomez for Mexico against Germany at the Under-17 World Cup, and defender Lisandro Lopez in an Argentine league match for Arsenal against Olimpo.
Users of FIFA.com and francefootball.fr websites can vote until December 5, when a final shortlist of three goals will be announced.
The winner of the award, named for Hungarian great Ferenc Puskas, is announced January 9 at FIFA’s annual Golden Ball gala. (Agencies)