Cristiano Ronaldo, a name synonymous with goalscoring prowess, has amassed a staggering collection of individual accolades throughout his illustrious career. Yet, the prestigious FIFA Puskas Award, bestowed upon the scorer of the most aesthetically pleasing goal each year, eluded him for a considerable period. In 2018, the footballing world held its breath as Ronaldo’s breathtaking bicycle kick against Juventus seemed destined to end the drought. However, fate had other plans. The award ultimately went to Mohamed Salah for his curling effort against Everton, leaving many to ponder: how could Ronaldo lose Puskas 2018?
Ronaldo’s Gravity-Defying Bicycle Kick: A Goal for the Ages
The setting was the UEFA Champions League quarter-final, the stage was set for a clash of titans as Real Madrid faced Juventus. With the score at 0-0, Ronaldo produced a moment of magic that sent shockwaves through the stadium. A perfectly weighted cross from Dani Carvajal found Ronaldo soaring through the air, his body parallel to the ground as he unleashed a ferocious bicycle kick. The ball rocketed into the back of the net, leaving Gianluigi Buffon, a goalkeeper renowned for his brilliance, as a mere spectator. The goal was a testament to Ronaldo’s exceptional athleticism, timing, and technique.
Salah’s Moment of Magic: A Goal Worthy of Recognition
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Egyptian King, enjoyed a sensational 2017-2018 season, terrorizing defenses with his electrifying pace and clinical finishing. His goal against Everton in the Merseyside derby was a testament to his individual brilliance. Picking up the ball on the right flank, Salah weaved his way past a couple of defenders before unleashing a curling effort that nestled into the top corner of the net. The goal was a combination of speed, skill, and precision, showcasing Salah’s ability to conjure moments of magic.
The Puskas Award Criteria: More Than Just Aesthetics
While Ronaldo’s bicycle kick was undeniably a goal of extraordinary quality, it’s crucial to understand the criteria upon which the Puskas Award is judged. According to FIFA, the award recognizes the “most beautiful goal” scored, taking into consideration factors such as:
- Importance of the match: Goals scored in crucial matches, such as cup finals or high-stakes league encounters, carry more weight.
- Fair play: Goals scored through unethical means, such as diving or handball, are not considered.
- Lack of luck: Goals that are purely the result of deflections or goalkeeping errors are not eligible.
Why Salah’s Goal Prevailed: A Matter of Context and Impact
Salah’s goal, while perhaps not as visually spectacular as Ronaldo’s, ticked all the boxes in terms of the Puskas Award criteria. It was a goal of exceptional individual skill, scored in a highly-charged derby match against Everton. Moreover, the goal had a significant impact on the game, securing a crucial point for Liverpool in their quest for Champions League qualification. Ronaldo’s goal, while breathtaking, came in a match that Real Madrid ultimately won comfortably.
The 2018 Puskas Award was a closely contested affair, with both Ronaldo and Salah scoring goals worthy of recognition. Ultimately, it was the context and impact of Salah’s goal that tipped the scales in his favor.
While Ronaldo might have missed out on the Puskas Award that year, his bicycle kick against Juventus will forever be etched in footballing folklore as one of the greatest goals ever scored.
