Yassine Benzia has issued a touching message to his fellow Algerians following his defeat at both the 2024 CAF Awards and the Puskas Prize.
Despite a wave of support from his country, the forward, who plays for Qarabag, was unable to clinch the coveted titles for his spectacular goal against South Africa.
On Monday, Benzia, who has earned eight caps for Algeria and scored four goals, found himself a finalist for the CAF Goal of the Year award.
His stunning acrobatic overhead kick during the FIFA Series match against South Africa on March 26, which ended in a 3-3 draw, had placed him in contention for the prestigious honor.
However, the award went to Angolan player Fabrice Maieco, whose goal was considered more conventional by many, including a significant portion of the Algerian public.
In response to the result, Benzia humorously reacted by sharing laughing emojis and a thumbs-up on his social media.
La story de Benzia après sa non-nomination au Prix Puskas ! 🇩🇿📲 pic.twitter.com/avRpSw8g25
— 𝘼𝙇𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙄𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙐𝙁𝙊𝙊𝙏 | 𝘼𝘼𝙁 🇩🇿 (@algeriactufoot) December 18, 2024
Just 24 hours later, Benzia experienced a second blow when his bicycle kick goal—similar to Maieco’s—was overlooked at the Puskas Prize, the FIFA equivalent of Goal of the Year.
Instead, young Argentine Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United claimed the award for his own bicycle kick.
Despite this setback, Benzia maintained a dignified silence, refraining from commenting further on the loss.
The 30-year-old forward, who previously played for Olympique Lyonnais, has always enjoyed the support of his fans.
Their unwavering loyalty was evident as they rallied behind him during the award season, and Benzia was quick to acknowledge their efforts.
In a heartfelt Instagram Story posted on Wednesday, Benzia shared his gratitude for the overwhelming support.
Thank you all for your mobilization in the last few days for the Puskas prize and that of the best goal at the CAF Awards.
It will have been quite an adventure, I would never have imagined receiving such a wave of support.
It will not have been enough, but I am proud to have carried the colors of Algeria high.
We are together,” he wrote.
Benzia’s words resonated deeply with his Algerian supporters, who continue to stand by him, celebrating his remarkable goal-scoring achievement even though it did not result in an award.
His message of unity and pride in representing his country will undoubtedly strike a chord with fans across Algeria.
