Real Salt Lake midfielder Pablo Ruiz scored an outrageous goal from his own half that has called demands from fans for it to be nominated for the Puskas Award.
Real Salt Lake recently beat DC United 2-1. DC Steven Birnbaum went down to 10 men after Steven Birnbaum was sent off. Danny Musovski and Pablo Ruiz then scored to put DC United ahead. Chris Durkin managed to pull one back for DC, but ultimately they lost the game 2-1.
The win now puts Real Salt Lake in seventh position in the Western Conference. It was their 6th win of the season and an important one as they hope to recover their form to get into contention for the MLS top spots.
Pablo Ruiz with an outrageous goal
But the main highlight of the game was midfielder Pablo Ruiz as he scored an amazing goal. Many have already called it to be nominated for the Puskas Award. And when you see the goal, it’s not hard to see why.
Real Salt Lake recovered the ball in their own half. Pablo Ruiz then saw United’s goalkeeper Tyler Miller way off his line. He then attempted a shot with his magical left foot. The ball flew over 60 yards before it went directly into the top right corner.
The goal earned widespread praise from many fans. The shot was perfectly executed, and the ball seemed to just float so aesthetically that fans just couldn’t help but admire it.
Pablo Ruiz from nearly 70 yards out.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 18, 2023
What. A. Goal. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4wTHtfMEQo
The goal went viral on social media as a result and many praised it.
One fan wrote, “No need to run goal of the match day this week. Just hand it over to him now!!”
Another wrote, “Give my man the Puskas Award already!”
What is the Puskas Award?
The FIFA Puskas Award, named after legendary footballer Ferenc Puskas was created in 2009. The award is given to the player who has scored the best goal in that year. Three nominees are named before one of them is awarded the award in the FIFA The Best awards ceremony.
The main criteria for the nominations are that it has to be a beautiful goal that is pleasing to see. It is awarded without any distinction of gender, or nationality and is worldwide.
Until 2018 it was decided by fan votes but is now selected by pundits from FIFA. But the top three nominees are still decided by fans.
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have managed to win the award. Last year, the award was given to Marcin Oleksy, a Polish handi-capped footballer.
Real Salt Lake will now face St. Louis away on Thursday in what is expected to be an important clash for both sides.
