Ireland Women's Football Star Shortlisted For FIFA's Goal Of The Year Award After Wonder Strike

    Stephanie Roche is up against Robin van Persie and James Rodriguez for the prestigious prize. This post has been updated after Roche made it into the final three.

    Republic of Ireland striker Stephanie Roche has been nominated for FIFA's goal of the year award for this stunning strike for Peamount United in October last year.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    Here it is again. A truly phenomenal goal.

    vine.co

    The 25-year-old said she was "surprised but delighted" to find herself on the shortlist of 10 players for the Puskás Award, which is named after legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás.

    Roche, who now plays for ASPTT Albi in the French First Division, was initially up against the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robin van Persie, and Diego Costa.

    She told Irish broadcaster RTÉ Sport this week:

    Obviously, it was a big surprise but it is a great boost, not only for myself, but for women's football and particularly the Women's National League. It's a great feeling to see myself on the list.

    The goal was in October last year and I had just been getting on with my career over here in France. Not that I'd forgotten about the goal but I had just stopped thinking about it.

    Then to see on Twitter today that it was nominated for the Puskás Award is unbelievable, it's a great achievement and I'm delighted.

    I'm delighted to be named amongst those famous players and hopefully I can get into the top three.

    The original video of her stunning strike has been watched over 2.5 million times on YouTube.

    Roche has now made it into the final three-goal shortlist.

    She is up against the goals scored by Netherlands' Robin van Persie and Colombia's James Rodriguez during the World Cup in Brazil.

    The winner will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2014 Gala on 12 January.

    Yessssss!!!!! Come on!! So happy right now, thank u to EVERYONE who has voted for me! ❤️🍀⚽️ oh and if you's could keep voting please!🙊😂

    You can vote here.