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Football

24th Sep 2018

Mohamed Salah wins Puskas Award, beating overhead kicks from Bale and Ronaldo

Pick of the bunch

Darragh Murphy

Mohamed Salah had to overcome some stiff competition to claim this year’s Puskas Award.

The unforgettable overhead kicks of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were sights to behold last season and there were several other strong contenders for the honour but Salah won out in the end.

The Puskas Award is Fifa’s way of recognising the most beautiful goal scored in the past year and Salah’s gorgeous effort against Everton last December was voted the best.

The Egypt international was still in the early stages of establishing himself as Liverpool’s new talisman when his first touch and spin beat Toffees’ full-back Cuco Martina before his strength held off Idrissa Gueye.

Ashley Williams stood between Salah and goal but the Reds forward stunningly curled a shot around the centre-half and into the top corner of Jordan Pickford’s goal to open the scoring in the Merseyside derby.

On Monday night at Fifa’s ‘The Best’ awards ceremony, Salah’s goal against Everton was voted the best of the year and below you can see the strike from all angles.

“Good evening, everyone. I don’t have to say much about it but I’m very happy and very proud,” Salah said.

“I have to thank everyone who voted for me and I’m looking forward to another award tonight.”