Brentford Star Ashley Cheatley in Running for Top Honour as Goal of the Year Shortlisted for Marta Award
A year on from her astonishing overhead kick in a fifth-tier FA Cup tie, Ashley Cheatley has been named alongside some of the world's top female footballers in the running for Fifa's prestigious Marta Award. The Brentford striker, who is known to fans as "The Cheat Code", is one of eight women nominated for this year's award after scoring a stunning goal against Ascot United in the FA Cup first round.
Cheatley, 30, received the news by chance when her family were in touch with her. The former Ashford Town player was relaxing at home, unaware that her goal had been selected as one of eight finalists for this year's Marta Award. When she saw her own image alongside some of the sport's biggest stars, Cheatley said: "I still don't think I've accepted it". She is also quoted saying that even if she never scores another wonder goal in her career, she will be happy.
To reach the final, fans and a panel of 'Fifa legends' have to vote. The public voting period closes on 28 November.
A year on from her astonishing overhead kick in a fifth-tier FA Cup tie, Ashley Cheatley has been named alongside some of the world's top female footballers in the running for Fifa's prestigious Marta Award. The Brentford striker, who is known to fans as "The Cheat Code", is one of eight women nominated for this year's award after scoring a stunning goal against Ascot United in the FA Cup first round.
Cheatley, 30, received the news by chance when her family were in touch with her. The former Ashford Town player was relaxing at home, unaware that her goal had been selected as one of eight finalists for this year's Marta Award. When she saw her own image alongside some of the sport's biggest stars, Cheatley said: "I still don't think I've accepted it". She is also quoted saying that even if she never scores another wonder goal in her career, she will be happy.
To reach the final, fans and a panel of 'Fifa legends' have to vote. The public voting period closes on 28 November.
, Ashley Cheatley is literally one of the most amazng goal scorers EVER!!! I mean, that overhead kick in the FA Cup tie was like something out of a dream 
. And now she's up for that Marta Award? Like, seriously?! 
She's always been so underrated but i think its time we recognize her genius on the pitch 
. If she never scores another goal again, i'm still totes happy 4 her cuz she's already won in my book 
. I mean, Ashley Cheatley scores this crazy goal and suddenly she's a candidate for the Marta Award? It feels like everyone's just jumping on the bandwagon now. And what's with the voting process, anyway? 'Fifa legends' picking the finalists? Not exactly the most impartial bunch, if you ask me 
.
Don't get me wrong, her goal was mental, but there are so many other talented players out there who deserve recognition too. Can we just have a more diverse shortlist for once? 
And even if she doesn't score another goal like that again, you can tell she's gonna be happy with whatever happens - the girl's got class 
!
. and why is it a big deal that she's been named alongside top female footballers without actually winning anything notable? shouldn't we be focusing on her actual achievements rather than just her fancy footwork skills? need to see some stats or vids of her playing before i get on board with all this hype 
.
8 finalists?!?! i gotta get me some of that goal! btw have u tried that new energy drink that just came out?
. She deserves some recognition for that overhead kick 
. It's cool she's getting this nomination, but I'm kinda surprised she didn't expect it lol 
. Still, her humility is lovely 
. If she wins or loses, she'll still be a legend in my eyes 
️. The Marta Award is huge, so fingers crossed for her 
!
i think its so underrated that they dont have more nominees, her goal was literally a game changer 
It's like she defied gravity or something. I mean, who needs a superpower when you've got that kind of skill on the pitch? 
Fingers crossed! 
She's like "The Cheat Code" now 
Ashley Cheatley's got spirit, I love it! She's still buzzing from that incredible overhead kick last year 
. It shows she's all about the game, not just about personal glory 
I'm beyond thrilled that she got shortlisted for the Marta Award - it's a massive recognition of her talent and dedication to the sport. As a fan, it's amazing to see her being acknowledged on an international level. The fact that she's been nominated alongside some of the world's top female footballers is truly inspiring 
. Who knows what the future holds for her? Either way, I'm loving the journey! 
You got these top female footballers all vying for this award, but what's the real motive? Is it really about celebrating their amazing skills or is it something more... 
I mean, have you seen the nominees list? It's like they're trying to brainwash us into thinking that only a select few are worthy of recognition. And what's with Ashley Cheatley being called "The Cheat Code"? Sounds like some kind of marketing ploy to me 
But at the same time, I gotta admit, her goal was pretty insane... maybe this award thing isn't all bad after all? 
Ashley Cheatley is actually in the running for the Marta Award?! She's only scored one amazing goal that went viral last year 
. Fingers crossed for Ashley, let's get behind her and vote for the Marta Award! 
does Ashley Cheatley get a trophy or something? I also wonder why she's called "The Cheat Code"... is that because of the goal she scored in that FA Cup tie? did she cheat or was it just a nice flick-in? 
btw, 30 is kinda old to be playing football professionally... what's her story? 
i'm still rooting for her tho, ashley deserves all the love