West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has sparked controversy after being excluded from the Premier League Goal of the Season shortlist, despite an impressive array of goals during his debut campaign.
Kudus, who joined the Hammers from Ajax Amsterdam, showcased his scoring prowess with several spectacular strikes. One notable goal came on the final day of the season against Manchester City, where Kudus scored a stunning overhead kick, earning widespread admiration from fans.
During the match, City, who were crowned champions that day, struggled to clear a corner from James Ward-Prowse. Kudus seized the moment, flicking the ball over his marker before executing an acrobatic overhead kick that found the back of the net. This goal, despite being a consolation in a City victory, captivated social media, with many tipping it for the Goal of the Season award.
However, the Premier League’s shortlist, released on Wednesday, did not include the Ghanaian international. Instead, the nominees feature Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Kobbie Mainoo; Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma; Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister; Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo; Burnley’s Saman Khoddos; and Newcastle United’s Oscar Bobb.
Kudus’ omission from the Goal of the Season shortlist follows another snub, as he was also overlooked for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award, despite a stellar first season in the English top flight. The 23-year-old Right to Dream academy graduate finished the 2023/24 campaign with eight goals and six assists in 33 Premier League matches.
Fans and pundits alike are questioning the criteria for the nominations, given Kudus’ memorable contributions and spectacular goals throughout the season.