James Rodriguez Wins 2014 Puskas Award, Beats Robin Van Persie, Stephanie Roche

FIFA announced on Monday that James Rodriguez is the winner of the 2014 Puskas Award, given to the scorer of the best goal of the past year. Rodriguez beat out Robin van Persie and Stephanie Roche for the honour. 

FIFA confirmed the announcement via its Twitter account:

Rodriguez enters exclusive company by winning the award. Greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have previously been hailed for producing the magic moment of the footballing year.

In truth, all three of the 2014 contenders had genuine claims to the prize.

Roche's strike was this stunning volley against Wexford Youths:

The goal catapulted the 25-year-old into football stardom and resulted in a transfer to French club ASPTT Albi, while simultaneously showing fans around the world the rising quality of women's football.

While her strike didn't come at the 2014 World Cup, like those of her competitors, the Ireland international still believed she fully deserved the win, per the Irish Mirror's Ciaran O'Raghallaigh:

"

It was a goal with a lot of technical ability, and [Ferenc] Puskas scored lots of beautiful goals. Last year, Zlatan Ibrahimovic won and his goal came in a friendly against England. So, if people are looking at a goal not being in the World Cup – neither was his.

It’s a beautiful goal and, ­technically, it’s one of the best. That’s not me being cocky, it’s what I’ve also been told.

"

Amy Lawrence of the Guardian weighed on Roche missing out on the award:

James' goal was one of six he scored at the 2014 World Cup. This stunning control and volley against Uruguay in the round of 16 helped Colombia into the quarter-finals:

The 23-year-old was the breakout star of the tournament and turned said performance into a massive transfer to Real Madrid, where he has shined playing alongside former Puskas Award recipient Ronaldo.

The duo won the FIFA Club World Cup in December and nearly set a new record for consecutive club wins, and you feel James is still only getting his feet under the table at the Bernabeu.

Van Persie, meanwhile, set the World Cup alight with this sensational diving header against Spain during 2014's group stages:

The goal helped spark a Dutch run that would see the team thrash defending champions Spain 5-1 and eventually result in a bronze medal after a close semi-final loss against Argentina.

It also became an instant hit on social media, with several memes dedicated to the fantastic effort, as illustrated by Bleacher Report's Sean Swaby.

At the time of his nomination, Van Persie took to Twitter to let the world know just how much this meant to him:

The Dutch striker has struggled to replicate such form for Manchester United this term, but the Puskas award ceremony provides a timely reminder of how deadly Van Persie can be.

All three goals would have been worthy of winning this year's award, but there could only be one winner. Rodriguez's strike is very difficult to argue against.