Rafiki Saïd has claimed the Ligue 2 Goal of the Season award for his spectacular bicycle kick against Bastia, a strike that has become one of the most talked-about moments of the campaign.
The Troyes forward left fans and commentators alike in awe when he executed the stunning goal, which was voted the finest of the season by supporters and pundits across French football.
The decisive moment came after Ismaël Boua sent in a pinpoint cross. Saïd, with flawless technique, controlled the ball with his right foot before launching himself into the air to deliver a perfectly timed bicycle kick that flew past the goalkeeper.
The goal not only sealed Saïd’s place in the highlight reels for years to come but also sparked wild celebrations among Troyes supporters.
The strike, which combined athleticism, precision and flair, quickly went viral on social media and drew praise from across the footballing world.
The recognition makes Saïd just the second Comorian player to win the award, following in the footsteps of Youssouf M’changama, who was honoured with the same prize in 2022.
For Saïd, this accolade marks a significant milestone in his career and a proud moment for the Comorian football community.
Speaking after receiving the award, Saïd expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the goal that earned him the title. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” he said. “When I saw the ball coming in, I just reacted instinctively. I didn’t think, I just went for it, and thankfully it came off perfectly.”
The goal was not just a moment of individual brilliance but also a pivotal one for Troyes in that match. Though the final result was secondary to the spectacle of the strike, Saïd’s performance stood out in a fiercely contested fixture.
Ligue 2, known for its competitiveness and the emergence of exciting talents, has seen its fair share of memorable goals over the years, but Saïd’s effort has etched itself into the league’s history books.
The acrobatic nature of the strike, combined with the composure and control he demonstrated in the build-up, set it apart from the rest of the season’s contenders.
Analysts have noted the technical difficulty of Saïd’s goal. Executing a bicycle kick under pressure in a match situation, especially after a precise first touch, requires not only physical capability but also split-second decision-making and exceptional coordination.
For many, this was the embodiment of what makes football such a captivating sport, a single moment of brilliance capable of defining a season.
Troyes, who have faced a challenging season in Ligue 2, found a spark of inspiration through Saïd’s contribution. While the team has struggled at times for consistency, moments like this have reminded fans of the talent present within the squad.
As the season draws to a close, Rafiki Saïd’s award-winning strike will remain a defining highlight, a testament to his skill and an unforgettable reminder of football’s magic.
