James Rodriguez received the Puskas Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Voters picked the Colombian’s goal against Uruguay in the Brazil World Cup as the best goal of 2014.
The Real Madrid midfielder obtained 42% of the votes, beating female amateur player Stephanie Roche, who had scored a stunning goal for Peamount United against Wexford Youths that went viral on the internet. The Irish 25-year-old got 33% of the votes.
[Watch Stephanie Roche’s goal here]
Manchester United’s Robin Van Persie came second with 11% for the goal he scored against Spain in the World Cup, heading the ball over Iker Casillas.
[Wath Robin Van Persie’s goal here]
James Rodriguez was the top scorer of the World Cup with six goals. The best of them was this superb volley that helped Colombia beat Uruguay 2-0 in the group stage.
Even Pancho Puskas’ widow had supported Rodriguez before the ceremony: “Of course I support James, because he plays for Real Madrid and wears the number Pancho used to wear,” she confessed.
The Los Blancos player didn’t speak much as he received the trophy: “I have to thank all the people that voted. I dedicate this to them and to all Colombia. I just have words of happyness,” he said.
Comment: James will be the best