Wayne Rooney's sensational goal against Manchester city has been named as one of the contenders for the goal of the year award given by FIFA.

The Puskas Award is given by FIFA for the best goal scored by any player during the season. Wayne Rooney will be competing for this award along with Lionel Messi and Brazilian sensation Neymar.

Lionel Messi has been shortlisted for this award for the brilliant flick over Manuel Almunia during the Champions League encounter between the two sides. Lionel Messi is also one of the favourites for the world player of the year title, for which he has been nominated alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi.

Neymar scored his goal against Flamengo in the Brazilian championship. Undoubtedly, Wayne Rooney will be the sensational and the most outrageous goal attempt taking part in this year's competition. His overhead kick against archrivals Manchester City was enough to give Manchester United a famous win. Perhaps, it was not very surprising to learn that it was nominated as the goal of the year in England. It was in many ways reminiscent of the overhead kick attempt by Peter Crouch a few years ago. Anticipating the cross, Wayne Rooney stood with his back to goal, but then had to adjust at the last moment with the brilliant overhead kick to score.

Even though Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a number of goals last season, Lionel Messi is expected to pick up the World Player of the year for his outstanding performances in the Champions League. Lionel Messi was part of the Barcelona team that won their second Champions League title in just over three years. Usually, this world player of the award is given to the player who has just won the Champions League with this club or the FIFA World Cup with the national team.