Simpson facing Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe last August. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
THE NOMINATIONS FOR the 2019 Fifa Puskas award have been announced, with Northern Ireland international Billie Simpson flying the flag up against the likes of Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Her runner for world goal of the year was a stunning long-range volley scored for her club, Cliftonville Ladies, against Sion Swifts in the Women’s Premiership — the top level women’s football league in the North — last August.
The 27-year-old defender struck the wonder goal from inside her own half, and now follows in the footsteps of Ireland international Stephanie Roche, who was nominated in 2014.
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Congratulations to @CVilleLadiesFC's Billie Simpson who has been nominated for the prestigious Puskas Award.
This is the stunning volley that sees her now up against the likes of Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. pic.twitter.com/9qHntZNTZv
Messi, Ibrahimovic and Crystal Palace midfielder Andros Townsend — whose volley came against Manchester City in December — are also on the 10-strong shortlist.
Simpson is one of three women included, alongside Cameroon star Ajara Nchout and USA’s Amy Rodriguez, whose strike came in action for Utah Royals.
A public vote now runs until Sunday, 1 September, which will whittle the competition down to three — and from there, a panel of Fifa legends decide the winning goal.
The winner will be announced at the Fifa Football Awards in Milan on 23 September.
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Northern Ireland women's star nominated for Puskas award alongside Messi and Ibrahimovic
THE NOMINATIONS FOR the 2019 Fifa Puskas award have been announced, with Northern Ireland international Billie Simpson flying the flag up against the likes of Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Her runner for world goal of the year was a stunning long-range volley scored for her club, Cliftonville Ladies, against Sion Swifts in the Women’s Premiership — the top level women’s football league in the North — last August.
The 27-year-old defender struck the wonder goal from inside her own half, and now follows in the footsteps of Ireland international Stephanie Roche, who was nominated in 2014.
Messi, Ibrahimovic and Crystal Palace midfielder Andros Townsend — whose volley came against Manchester City in December — are also on the 10-strong shortlist.
Simpson is one of three women included, alongside Cameroon star Ajara Nchout and USA’s Amy Rodriguez, whose strike came in action for Utah Royals.
A public vote now runs until Sunday, 1 September, which will whittle the competition down to three — and from there, a panel of Fifa legends decide the winning goal.
The winner will be announced at the Fifa Football Awards in Milan on 23 September.
The 10 nominees are as follows, and can be watched here:
Which of the 10 do you think is the best? Let us know in the comments section below.
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chloe simpson Messi puskas take your pick wondergoals Zlatan Ibrahimovic