Former Socceroo in the running for FIFA Goal of the Year after incredible strike with Western Sydney Wanderers
- Launched an incredible effort from the center circle
- Has a chance to win one of the most prestigious individual awards in sports
- The award has previously been won by Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, among others
Former Melbourne City midfielder Terry Antonis has earned a 2024 FIFA Puskas Award nomination for his spectacular goal against Western Sydney Wanderers last season.
The Puskas Award is presented to the player who scores the goal of the year in world football.
Antonis’ try was a daring strike from about 45 yards, launched from the center circle in City’s 7-0 thrashing of his old club Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on March 12.
The 31-year-old former Socceroo, who now plays for Thai club Uthai Thani, is one of 11 nominees for this year’s award, which is named after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, who coached South Melbourne in the old National Soccer League from 1989 to 1992.
“To be in that category is something amazing and something I will cherish forever,” Antonis said.
“It’s definitely up there for the best goal I’ve scored in my career, (and) against your old club, that’s what you want to do.”
Antonis celebrates with Melbourne City teammates after his incredible goal against WSW
Previous winners of the Puskaas Award include superstar trio Cristiano Ronaldo (2009), Neymar (2011) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2013).
Fans can vote for their favorite goal out of 11 on the FIFA website until December 10.
Previous winners of the Puskaas Award include superstar trio Cristiano Ronaldo (2009), Neymar (2011) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2013).
Other Australians nominated for the award in the past include Sam Kerr (2023), Alou Kuol (2022), Riley McGree (2018), Tim Cahill (2014) and Lisa De Vanna (2013).
Ironically, Antonis’ nomination comes on the eve of another battle between Melbourne City and Western Sydney at AAMI Park.
City coach Aurelio Vidmar said his players were eager to play having not played a match since beating Perth Glory 5-0 on November 10 due to FIFA’s recent international break and a bye last weekend.
“It was a bit difficult for us,” Vidmar admitted.
“We had a good win against Perth, and going into the international break, like everyone else, we were doing fine, but then the extra week (off) with the farewell game was a bit strange.
“We probably lost a little bit of momentum. We may be a little rusty, but… we just have to deal with it.
“We’ve had two pretty good weeks on the training circuit, so we’re ready.”
City are chasing their fourth win from five games in the A-League this season, while the Wanderers will be determined to bounce back from last Saturday’s 4-2 derby defeat to Sydney FC.
Western Sydney coach Alen Stajcic said: “We need a response again. We have to go out and play with a positive intention. We have to overcome the barrier of playing in pieces.’
