Brentford striker Ashley Cheatley has been left stunned after learning that one of her audacious goals has been shortlisted for FIFA’s prestigious Marta Award, which recognizes the best goals scored in women’s football.

The 30-year-old, affectionately nicknamed the “Cheat Code” by fans, scored a remarkable bicycle kick goal last November for Brentford in the FA Cup first round against Ascot United. The goal, described by many as “video game-like,” has earned Cheatley a nomination alongside world-class stars including Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal and Spain, Vivianne Miedema of Manchester City and the Netherlands, and the award’s namesake, Brazil legend Marta.

A Goal Straight Out of a Video Game

Cheatley’s goal began with a deft cushion of the ball on her right thigh, flicking it over a defender, before finishing with a perfectly timed overhead kick. “I didn’t even think about it,” Cheatley told BBC Sport. “It was the perfect touch, really, to get it past the defender. And then while my back’s to goal, there’s only one thing I can do from there.”

Cheatley, who joined Brentford from Ashford Town ahead of the 2024-25 season, enjoyed a stellar campaign last year, scoring 46 goals across all competitions as Brentford earned promotion from the sixth-tier London & South East Regional Division 1 North.

Reaction to the FIFA Nomination

The striker admitted she was in disbelief upon hearing the news of her nomination. “I was sitting in the bath and all these messages were coming through, and I’m like, ‘what is this?’” Cheatley said. She shared the news with her family, but even then, she struggled to grasp the reality. “I was sat in Tesco earlier in the car park thinking, ‘is this real? What is going on?’”

The Marta Award winner will be decided through a combination of a fan vote and a panel of FIFA legends, with the public vote closing on 28 November 2025.

Cheatley’s Life at Brentford

For Cheatley, football is inseparable from her life in Brentford. From a family of Brentford season-ticket holders, she can see the G-Tech Community Stadium from her home in west London. Off the pitch, Cheatley also provides technical support for the club’s online ticketing platform.

“My life is basically Brentford, in a nutshell,” she said. “It’s surreal to see fans wearing jumpers with my nickname ‘Cheat Code’ at games. Now I’ve got a world-class goal to go with it.”

Despite the global recognition, Cheatley remains grounded. “Do I fancy my chances of winning the award? Oh, I don’t. I’ll be real about it. And if I never score another wonder goal ever, that’s absolutely fine by me.”

Cheatley’s FA Cup Heroics

Cheatley’s Marta Award-nominated strike helped Brentford progress to the third round of the FA Cup and highlighted her flair and instinct on the field. Having previously come close with an overhead kick at Ashford Town, she finally executed the perfect acrobatic finish against Ascot United, cementing her reputation as one of women’s football’s most exciting talents.