Arsenal's Giroud named among 2017 Puskas Award finalists

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The 2017 Puskas Award nominees have been whittled down to the final three
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has been named among finalists for top prize
Frenchman will battle it out with Deyna Castellanos and Oscarine Masuluke
Winner will be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards on October 23

Published: 10:21 EDT, 9 October 2017 | Updated: 11:26 EDT, 9 October 2017

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Olivier Giroud's stunning scorpion-kick goal against Crystal Palace on New Year's Day has been named as one of three strikes nominated for the annual Puskas Award.

The Arsenal forward produced a moment of magic to light up the Emirates Stadium with an audacious back-heeled effort on the volley which found the top corner and the Frenchman is now in contention for the best goal scored in the past year.

The award - which is described on FIFA's website as the 'most beautiful goal of the season' will be voted on by members of the public.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has been named among the three finalists for the Puskas Award

Giroud will fancy his chances of winning the top prize after his sublime scorpion kick

The Frenchman scored with a sublime backheeled volley as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace

The shortlist for the 2017 award has been whittled down to just three after ten spectacular efforts were first put up for the prize last month.

Former Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic's goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham was among those that failed to make the cut after initially being recognised.

Giroud faces competition from Venezuela women's team starlet Deyna Castellanos and Baroka goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke with the winner announced at the London Palladium Theatre on October 23.

Castellanos is the second Venezuelan teen in consecutive years to reach the final three, following in the footsteps of countrywoman Daniuska Rodriguez who reached the top trio last year.

Venezualan starlet Deyna Castellanos looks up and attempts to catch out the goalkeeper

Castellanos scored from the halfway line against Cameroon at the U-17 Women's World Cup

Castellanos is the second Venezuelan teen in successive years to reach the final three

She earned her nomination for her extraordinary effort from the halfway line against Cameroon at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Jordan 2016.

South African Masuluke is not only the first of his nation to reach the Puskas Award top three, but the first player from his continent to be named a finalist.

His superb stoppage-time bicycle kick clinched Baroka a draw against Orlando Pirates, understandably capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.

Voting will remain open until the day of the awards ceremony itself, with the winner of the fan vote receiving their award on stage at the venue on Argyll Street.

The finalists for The Best FIFA Football Awards were announced last month with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar competing for the Best Men's Player.

The Puskas Award - named after legendary Real Madrid and Hungary striker Ferenc Puskas - has shined a light on lesser-known players with Mohd Faiz Subri of Malaysian club Penang the reigning champion.