Oscarine Masuluke failed to become the first African winner of the famous FIFA Puskas Award, but received the backing of none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Read: FIFA Announce 2017 World Team Of The Year
The Baroka FC goalkeeper's now-famous strike was one of the final three nominated goals for this year's Puskas Award, and he travelled to London for the FIFA awards gala on Monday evening.
Masuluke sat next to Juventus veteran Gianluigi Buffon, but was left disappointed as Arsenal's Olivier Giroud was named the winner of this year's Puskas Award.
However, before the official announcement of the winner, the South African received the backing of FIFA's The Best Men's Player Ronaldo.
"I like Olivier Giroud's goal, but I have to give credit to the goalkeeper. He (usually) never goes forward and he tried an amazing goal, too," he said during the FIFA awards gala.
"Both (goals) I think were great."
Christiano Ronaldo gave credit to #OscarineMasuluke goal ?? too pic.twitter.com/u4Krzcn9Nm
— Azania Afrika (@SAYoungLion) October 23, 2017
Seconds earlier, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane also backed Masuluke's strike.
"It had to be the goalkeeper, with the bicycle kick. Incredible goal and celebration as well," he said.
Read: FIFA Coach Of The Year Revealed, Masuluke Misses Out On Puskas Award
Unfortunately, though, it was not meant to be for Masuluke. The 24-year-old received 27.48% of the 792 062 votes, while Giroud amassed 36.17%. Nonetheless, the Baroka FC shot-stopper can be proud of being named among football's biggest stars.
Do you think Masuluke's goal was better than Giroud's strike? Have your say in the comments section below.
