This past season had plenty of ups and downs for Eric Hassli, and included a trade from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Toronto FC in the summer.
But 2012 could also see the French striker earn world-wide acclaim as he has been shortlisted for FIFA’s Puskas Award, the honour given to the best goal of the year.
Hassli’s spectacular volley for the Whitecaps against TFC in a Canadian Championship match on May 16 in Vancouver is one of 10 goals up for the award, which is named after former Hungarian and Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskas.
Other players shortlisted for the award are Lionel Messi, Hatem Ben Arfa and Radamel Falcao.
Soccer fans will have until Nov. 29 to vote for their top pick on FIFA’s official website. The three goals with the most votes will become finalists for the award and enter a second phase of fan voting. The goal with the most votes from the second phase will be the winner and be recognized at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala on Jan. 7, 2013.
The Puskas Award was established in 2009, and previous winners include Cristiano Ronaldo, Hamit Altintop and Neymar.
To vote on the top ten candidates, CLICK HERE.