Photo: QNA
Hassan Al Haydos, the former captain of the Qatari national football team, has been nominated for the prestigious Puskas Award for the best goal of 2024, as announced by FIFA.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has hailed the nomination of Hassan, in a report released on its official website. The AFC highlighted Al Haydos as a standout candidate among Asian players nominated for various accolades, especially for his remarkable contribution to Qatar's historic triumph in the 2023 Asian Cup, where the team claimed the title for the second consecutive time.
Al Haydos earned this nomination for his breathtaking goal scored against China during the AFC Asian Cup Qatar on January 22, 2024. The goal, a powerful strike from outside the penalty area following a corner kick, secured a crucial victory for Qatar in the group stage, propelling the team to the top of Group A and paving their path to the championship.
FIFA's website praised Al Haydos' achievement, noting that this goal was one of three he netted throughout the tournament. His efforts were instrumental in leading Qatar to a 3-1 victory over Jordan in the final, further solidifying his legacy as a key player in Qatari football history. Al Haydos announced his retirement from international football in March, but his impact on the game continues to resonate as he competes for one of the sport's highest honours.