SportsVideosoccersports highlights

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Epic Bicycle Kick Goal Against England Won The 2013 FIFA Puskás Award (VIDEO)

This Goal From 2012 Is Officially The Best Goal Of 2013
By 

Sports Editor, The Huffington Post

|

It's FIFA official: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the most beautiful goal of 2013 in 2012.

The Swedish striker won the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award for the audacious, overhead bicycle kick goal he scored from 30 yards out in a friendly against England in November 2012. The astonishing long-range goal capped a four-score performance as Ibrahimovic lifted Sweden past England 4-2 at Friends Arena in Stockholm.

"When you win a trophy like this one, one that is voted for by the fans, it's extra special, because they are the ones who live and breathe football," Ibrahimovic told FIFA.com after taking home the prize during the Ballon d'Or gala on Monday. "The fact that they chose my goal is incredible: it touches me deep down in my heart."

The instant classic came too late to be included among the 2012 finalists but was too good to be ignored. It was one of two goals scored in the closing weeks of 2012 to be included among the 10 nominees considered for the 2013 prize. An initial fan vote narrowed the original list of 10 goals down to three finalists. Ibrahimovic's unforgettable strike garnered 48.7% of the votes in a subsequent online fan poll to finish ahead of scores by Neymar and Nemanja Matic, according to FIFA.

Neymar and Matic may not have dared to Zlatan but their nominated goals were still quite impressive. Take a look at the other two finalists:

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

PHOTOS: FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala
(01 of49)
Open Image Modal
Real Madrid's world player Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal, center, FIFA President Joseph Blatter and Ronaldo's son Ronaldo Junior stand together at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(02 of49)
Open Image Modal
Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, left, of Portugal, arrives with his wife, Russian model Irina Shayk on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(03 of49)
Open Image Modal
Real Madrid's Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal stands next to his son Ronaldo Junior after he received the trophy for the world player at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(04 of49)
Open Image Modal
Real Madrid's Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal stands next to his son Ronaldo Junior after receiving the trophy for the world player at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(05 of49)
Open Image Modal
Real Madrid's Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal stands next to his son Ronaldo Junior after he received the trophy for the world player at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(06 of49)
Open Image Modal
Real Madrid's Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal holds the trophy for world player of the year at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(07 of49)
Open Image Modal
Real Madrid's Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal cries next to his son Ronaldo Junior after receiving the trophy for the world player at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Nadine Angerer (08 of49)
Open Image Modal
Nadine Angerer of Germany is awarded the prize for the FIFA Women's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Nadine Angerer(09 of49)
Open Image Modal
Nadine Angerer of Germany is awarded the prize for the FIFA Women's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Adriana Lima, Ronaldo(10 of49)
Open Image Modal
Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima, left, jokes with former Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo, right, at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
(11 of49)
Open Image Modal
World players of the year Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal and German goal keeper Nadine Angerer stand together at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(12 of49)
Open Image Modal
Bayern Munich's players Philipp Lahm, left, Frank Ribery, 2nd right, Manuel Neuer, right, and their former coach Jupp Heynckes stand together at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(13 of49)
Open Image Modal
Former Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes, right, and coach of the German national women's soccer team Silvia Neid stand together after receiving the trophies for world coaches of the year at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Nadine Angerer(14 of49)
Open Image Modal
Goal keeper of Germany's women's soccer team Nadine Angerer holds the trophy for women's world player at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo, Nadine Angerer (15 of49)
Open Image Modal
World players of the year Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal and German goal keeper Nadine Angerer stand together at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(16 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal cries as he is awarded the prize for the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo, Keystone/Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo, Nadine Angerer (17 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, left, and Nadine Angerer of Germany pose with their trophies after being elected FIFA Men's and Women's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(18 of49)
Open Image Modal
Real Madrid's Christiano Ronaldo of Portugal holds the trophy for world player of the year at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(19 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, left, is awarded the prize for the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2013 by FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala, held in the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo, Keystone/Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(20 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, center, is awarded the prize for the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2013 by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, right, at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo, Keystone/Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(21 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal cries as he is awarded the prize for the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo, Keystone/Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(22 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is awarded the prize for the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo, Keystone/Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(23 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, left, cries as he is awarded the prize for the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo, Keystone/Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(24 of49)
Open Image Modal
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is awarded the prize for the FIFA Men's soccer player of the year 2013 at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Sergio Ramos(25 of49)
Open Image Modal
Soccer player Sergio Ramos, right, of Spain and Spanish reporter and TV presenter Pilar Rubio Fernandez arrive on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(26 of49)
Open Image Modal
Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal signs autographs on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
(27 of49)
Open Image Modal
German soccer player Philipp Lahm arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Pele(28 of49)
Open Image Modal
Brazilian soccer star Pele cries as he receives the Ballon d'Or Honorary Prize at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
(29 of49)
Open Image Modal
Swedish player Zlatan Ibrahimovic, left, receives the Puskas Award for the best goal of the year from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Pele, Sepp Blatter (30 of49)
Open Image Modal
Brazil's soccer legend Pele displays the honorary prize he received at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. Right FIFA President Sepp Blatter. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Pele(31 of49)
Open Image Modal
Brazil's soccer legend Pele wipes his eye as he receives the honorary prize at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(32 of49)
Open Image Modal
The FIFA "dream team" with the best goal keeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards stands on the stage at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Front row from left: Daniel Alves, Barcelona and Brazil, Thiago Silva, Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil, Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid and Spain, Philipp Lahm, Bayern Munich and Germany, Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich and Germany, back row from left: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint-Germain, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal, Franck Ribery, Bayern Munich and Germany and Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona and Spain. (credit:AP)
Pele(33 of49)
Open Image Modal
Brazil's soccer legend Pele displays the honorary prize he received at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(34 of49)
Open Image Modal
German national coach Silvia Neid holds the trophy for best coach in women's soccer at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic(35 of49)
Open Image Modal
Sweden's Zlatan Ibrahimovic displays the Puskas award for the best goal at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(36 of49)
Open Image Modal
Brazilian super model Adriana Lima, right, and Jerome Valcke FIFA General Secretary, participate in the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Lionel Messi(37 of49)
Open Image Modal
Soccer player Lionel Messi, right, of Argentina arrives with his wife Antonella, left, on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic(38 of49)
Open Image Modal
Soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
(39 of49)
Open Image Modal
Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, left, of Portugal, arrives with his wife, Russian model Irina Shayk on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Jupp Heynckes(40 of49)
Open Image Modal
Former coach of Bayern Munich Jupp Heynckes holds the trophy for best world coach at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(41 of49)
Open Image Modal
Former coach of Bayern Munich Jupp Heynckes holds the trophy for best world coach at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
(42 of49)
Open Image Modal
German national coach Silvia Neid holds the trophy for best coach in women's soccer at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 Gala in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) (credit:AP)
Franz Beckenbauer(43 of49)
Open Image Modal
German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/ Keystone/Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
(44 of49)
Open Image Modal
Soccer player Marta Vieira da Silva of Brazil arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/ Keystone/Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Roy Hodgson(45 of49)
Open Image Modal
England manager Roy Hodgson arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/ Keystone,Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Pele(46 of49)
Open Image Modal
Brazilian soccer legend Pele arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/ Keystone/Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Zinedine Zidane(47 of49)
Open Image Modal
Former French soccer player Zinedine Zidane arrives on the red carpet prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/ Keystone/Walter Bieri) (credit:AP)
Sepp Blatter, Jacques Rogge(48 of49)
Open Image Modal
Former International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, right, receives the Presidential Award from FIFA President Sepp Blatter at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Sepp Blatter(49 of49)
Open Image Modal
FIFA President Sepp Blatter delivers a speech at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2013 at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt) (credit:AP)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip