Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has won the FIFA Puskas Award for goal of the year.
Giroud’s spectacular scorpion-kick goal against Crystal Palace was voted the winner ahead of efforts from Venezuela’s Deyna Castellanos and South African goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke.
“It’s an honour for me,” said Giroud after accepting the award at a ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday.
“I’m delighted to receive this trophy today in front of legends of football. Now l’d just like to thank the people who voted for me. I would like to congratulate the 10 nominees who scored amazing goals too.
“Obviously I would like to thank my team-mates, without them I couldn’t score maybe this goal, and my family.”
The Frenchman’s effort, a flicked volley with his left foot that flew in off the crossbar, was scored on New Year’s Day in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
The award ceremony in London was attended by a host of football stars past and present, including Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, Sergio Ramos and Harry Kane, with winners decided by a jury of club and international coaches, media representatives and fans.
