Oli Babington’s screamer from earlier this year went viral on social media and reached millions of people. Earlier this summer, he won the Non-League goal of the year and might be nominated for the next Puskas Award.

Earlier this year, the Clevedon Town player Oli Babington’s screamer went viral, and recently he claimed the Huck Nets Goal of the Season at the Non-League Paper’s National Game Awards.

The goal that first got shared on the clubs’ social media accounts and then went viral is something Babington is still happy about. He immediately knew that the goal was one of the better he’d ever scored - and probably the best he’ll ever score. And luckily for Babington, the match was recorded with Veo. Otherwise, it could have been one of the famous “pics or it didn’t happen” moments:

“I’m sure that if it hadn’t been caught on Veo, it would just be one of those conversations you have in the pub where people don’t believe you. With the rise of social media and the clubs in non-league trying to become more professional, it’s great to have the Veo.” Babington says.

Former striker and now central defender Babington can thank his club and its volunteers for having the Veo cameras recording their matches. It makes the club a little more professional, which Babington enjoys:

I’ve got to thank Clevedon Town and all their volunteers for buying a Veo in their endeavors to become a more professional club. It’s great to go over the game and do match analysis. We all have a login, and the coach can tag you in the clips, which makes it easier and quicker.”

The screamer has been shared across all the bigger accounts on social media, and when FIFA’s official Twitter shared it, they wrote that they consider the goal a nominee for this year’s award:

“The official FIFA Twitter tweeted about it and mentioned the potential nomination for a Puskas Award. Soccer AM had me introduce the goals of the week - which a professional player usually does. Sky Sports had it on their channels and socials too.”

Last month Babington went to the Non-League Paper’s National Game Awards, where he won the Goal of the Year category. This award means a lot to Babington as recognition and trophies are something every player is aiming for:

“Getting the invitation to the Non-League awards and winning the Non-League goal of the year is great. To have that recognition is something every player wants, whether winning team trophies or individual honours.” Babington says.

Next Puskas Award winner?
The question is if he is now aiming for the legendary Puskas Award? According to the man himself, he would love an invitation to the award show:

“I’d love to be invited to the awards. I think that would be an achievement for a non-league player who has dedicated much of his life to soccer. It’s something I could only dream about.”

Getting an invitation would be one thing, but to win it would be something else for the Clevedon Town player:

“But winning it… I’d love that! It would be a great story. Having that honor would be a lifelong achievement. It’s something I could always be proud of. I’m sure any of the previous winners would enjoy watching it too. Something to look back on my soccer career and reminisce about when I’m old and grey - more likely bald!” Babington ends.

Who knows? Maybe Oli Babington will be the first Non-league player to win the Puskas Award.