Amateur’s incredible strike is tipped to win football’s most prestigious goal of the year award

A footballer from the Belgian fourth division has been touted to win the FIFA Puskas Award after scoring an outrageous goal from 35 yards out and leaving soccer fans stunned.

Jens Verhellen, a defender who plays for KVK Avelgem, was clearing an attack from rivals KSV De Ruiter last weekend when he netted the wonder goal.

Jens Verhellen (pictured) from the Belgian fourth division has been touted to win the FIFA Puskas Award after scoring an outrageous goal from 35 yards out, leaving the keeper with no chance

Verhellen, a defender who plays for KVK Avelgem, was clearing an attack from rivals KSV De Ruiter last weekend when he netted the wonder goal to put his side ahead 1-0

Verhellen charged out of defence and hit the ball with his right foot, sending it high and away from the target before it sensationally swerved and ended up in the back of the net.

‘We had just had a corner kick and the opponent set up a counter-attack,’ the 24-year-old told Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad.

‘Our team was not yet organised. I’m the right back, so I kicked that ball away so we had time to position ourselves well. Suddenly everyone started cheering. So no, I really didn’t expect to score a goal. The last time I scored was four years ago.’

Video of the goal has gone viral and been seen by millions of people around the world.

‘Fellow players have forwarded the images to their channels that they follow on Instagram. It must have been picked up there,’ says Verhellen. ‘Of course it’s nice to go around the world with my goal.’

Football fans were quick to celebrate the spectacular strike. 

‘Roberto Carlos eat your heart out! I have no idea if he meant this but it looks amazing,’ commented one Twitter user.

‘That might be the best goal ever,’ said another.

‘He’s a Sunday League fullback – of course he meant it. And after two or three pints he will have meant it even more!’ joked a third.

Video of the goal has gone viral and been seen by millions of people all around the world

There were even calls for the stunning effort to be included on the shortlist for this year’s Puskas award, which recognises the ‘most aesthetically significant’ goals scored around the world each year, regardless of championship, gender or nationality.

Usually the award goes to the sport’s biggest stars, like Erik Lamela, who won for his  incredible rabona goal against Arsenal for Spurs last year.

However, occasionally players from lower leagues can find themselves in the running for the prize, which has also been won by superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mohamed Salah.  

Verhellen’s incredible strike put his side up 1-0 against KSV De Ruiter, who were top of the table at the time. His side scored twice more after the shot and now sit in top spot.