Real Madrid CF forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he would have backed Baroka FC goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke’s goal as his preferred choice for the FIFA Puskas Award.
This is despite the shot-stopper eventually losing out to Arsenal’ FC striker Olivier Giroud, who accumulated 36.17% of the 792 062 votes cast.
While Masuluke scooped 27.48% and third nominee, Venezuela Under-17 Women team player Deyna Castellanos received 20.47%.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, who was named Best FIFA Men’s Player, praised Masuluke during the gala event which was held in London, England.
“I like Olivier Giroud’s goal, but I have to give credit to the goalkeeper,” Ronaldo said.
“He (usually) never goes forward and he tried an amazing goal, too,” he added.
“Both (goals) I think were great,” the 32-year-old player, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, concluded.
England striker Harry Kane also named Masuluke when asked who he backed to win.
“It had to be the goalkeeper, with the bicycle kick. Incredible goal and celebration as well,” the Tottenham Hotspur frontman said.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper was also lauded by Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele for putting the club on the global map.
“This moment ranks right up there with when we gained promotion to the Absa Premiership,” Mphahlele told The Sowetan.
“It’s something we can brag about that other teams cannot have,” the club boss added.
“You could play 100 years and not come close to winning the award. It’s something very special.
“As a club, it has given us great mileage and has raised our brand and profile,” he concluded.
