FIFA Puskas Award 2023: How To Vote
Hey guys! The FIFA Puskas Award is back, and it's time to pick the most spectacular goal of the year! If you're anything like me, you love those jaw-dropping, gravity-defying, net-rippling moments that make you leap off the couch. The Puskas Award celebrates exactly that – the beauty and artistry of goal-scoring. So, if you want your say in who takes home this prestigious award, let's dive into how you can cast your vote and make your voice heard!
What is the FIFA Puskas Award?
The FIFA Puskas Award, established in 2009, is an annual award presented by FIFA to the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or most beautiful, goal of the year. The award is named in honor of Ferenc Puskás, the legendary Hungarian forward known for his incredible goal-scoring record and his contributions to the sport. The Puskas Award isn't just about power or placement; it's about the overall beauty, skill, and significance of the goal. Think acrobatic bicycle kicks, long-range screamers, intricate team plays finished with a sublime touch – those are the kinds of goals that tend to catch the eye of voters. Previous winners have included some of the biggest names in football, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, as well as lesser-known players who produced moments of pure magic. Winning the Puskas Award can be a career-defining moment, bringing global recognition and cementing a player's place in football history.
Eligibility Criteria for the FIFA Puskas Award
Before we get into the voting process, it's important to understand what makes a goal eligible for the FIFA Puskas Award. Not just any goal can be nominated! Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria:
- Aesthetics: This is the most important factor. The goal must be beautiful, showcasing skill, creativity, and a touch of magic.
 - No Luck or Errors: Goals that result from defensive errors or pure luck are generally not considered. The goal should be a result of the player's own ability and intention.
 - Importance of the Match: While not a strict requirement, goals scored in more significant matches (e.g., World Cup, Champions League) often carry more weight.
 - Fair Play: The goal must be scored in the spirit of fair play, without any unsportsmanlike conduct.
 - Played Between a Specific Timeframe: FIFA sets a specific timeframe each year for goal consideration, usually spanning from the end of one season to the start of the next.
 
FIFA's expert panel carefully reviews hundreds of goals scored throughout the year to create a shortlist of nominees that meet these criteria. They are looking for those special moments that transcend the ordinary and capture the imagination of fans worldwide. The FIFA Puskas Award celebrates not only individual brilliance but also the artistry and creativity that make football such a captivating sport. These eligibility rules ensure that the goals considered are truly exceptional and worthy of recognition.
How to Vote for the FIFA Puskas Award 2023: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, so you're pumped and ready to vote? Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to make sure your vote counts:
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Head to the FIFA Website: The official voting platform is usually located on FIFA's website (www.fifa.com). Look for a section dedicated to the awards or the Puskas Award specifically. FIFA always makes sure the voting platform is easy to find, so keep an eye on their homepage. Voting is exclusively conducted through the official FIFA website to ensure a fair and transparent process.
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Register or Log In: You'll likely need to create a FIFA account or log in to an existing one. The registration process is usually quick and straightforward, requiring basic information like your name, email address, and country of residence. This step is important to prevent multiple votes from the same person. Creating an account ensures that each vote is unique and verifiable, maintaining the integrity of the voting system.
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Browse the Nominees: Once you're logged in, you'll see a list of all the nominated goals. Each nominee will typically have a video clip of their goal for you to review. Take your time to watch each goal carefully and consider the aesthetics, skill, and overall impact of the moment. This is your chance to be a true connoisseur of spectacular goals! Don't just vote for the most famous player; really analyze each goal and appreciate the artistry involved.
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Cast Your Vote: After watching all the goals, select your top three choices. FIFA often uses a points-based system, where your first choice receives more points than your second and third choices. Make sure you understand the weighting system before casting your vote. Choosing your top three strategically can maximize the impact of your vote and increase the chances of your favorite goal winning.
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Submit Your Vote: Once you've made your selections, carefully review your choices and submit your vote. You may be asked to confirm your vote before it's finalized. After submitting, you should receive a confirmation message or email to verify that your vote has been successfully recorded. Always double-check your selections before submitting to avoid any accidental misvotes.
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Share and Spread the Word: After you've voted, encourage your friends, family, and fellow football fans to participate as well. Share the voting link on social media and let everyone know who you're supporting. The more people who vote, the more representative the final result will be. Getting involved and spreading the word helps ensure that the most deserving goal wins the FIFA Puskas Award.
 
Factors to Consider When Voting
Okay, so you know how to vote, but what should you consider when making your choices? Here are some factors to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision:
- The Degree of Difficulty: Was the goal a simple tap-in, or did it require incredible skill and athleticism to execute? Goals that involve complex movements, acrobatic techniques, or exceptional control often stand out.
 - The Creativity and Originality: Was the goal a standard shot, or did it involve a unique and unexpected element? Goals that showcase creativity and innovation are often more memorable and impressive.
 - The Distance and Angle: Was the goal scored from close range, or was it a long-range screamer? Goals scored from distance or at difficult angles often require exceptional power and accuracy.
 - The Significance of the Goal: Did the goal win the game, equalize the score, or contribute to a significant victory? Goals that have a major impact on the outcome of a match often carry more weight.
 - The Overall Aesthetics: Did the goal simply look beautiful? Sometimes, a goal just has that