The 'Cheat Code' Phenomenon: Ashley Cheatley's FIFA Award Nomination Story
Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of women's football and the unexpected path to FIFA's Marta Award nomination. Ashley Cheatley, a name that resonates with Brentford fans, has left everyone in awe with her incredible goal-scoring abilities.
Imagine this: Ashley, with a deft touch, controls the ball on her thigh, flicks it over a defender's head, and then, in a move straight out of a video game, executes a daring overhead kick that finds the back of the net. It's a moment that has fans calling her the 'Cheat Code' - a nickname that perfectly encapsulates her skill and unpredictability on the pitch.
But here's where it gets controversial... Cheatley's nomination for the Marta Award, an honor recognizing the best goals in women's football, has sparked a wave of excitement and surprise. She finds herself in the company of football legends like Mariona Caldentey, Vivianne Miedema, and the award's namesake, Marta herself.
"These are the real deal, professional footballers," Cheatley humbly acknowledges. "And then there's me, just kicking the ball around for fun on Sundays!"
Cheatley's journey with Brentford began before the 2024-25 season, and her impact was immediate. She scored an impressive 46 goals across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the Bees' promotion from the sixth-tier London & South East Regional Division 1 North.
The goal that has now been shortlisted for the Marta Award was a moment of pure instinct, she says. It opened the scoring in Brentford's FA Cup tie against Ascot United, a higher-ranked team, and set the stage for a memorable run to the third round of the competition.
"I didn't overthink it," Cheatley reveals. "It was the perfect touch - kicking the ball up in the air and getting it past the defender. And with my back to the goal, there was only one move left to make."
And this is the part most people miss... Ashley's overhead kick wasn't a one-off. She had attempted this move before, coming close at her previous club, Ashford Town, where she hit the bar against Norwich City, then title rivals. But this time, her acrobatic effort found the back of the net, helping Brentford write a new chapter in their FA Cup journey.
The winner of the Marta Award will be decided through a combination of fan votes and a panel of FIFA legends. The public vote closes on November 28th, and Cheatley's nomination has left her in a state of disbelief.
"I was sitting in the bath, and all these messages started pouring in. I was like, 'What is this?' I sent the image to my family group chat, but they didn't react much. So I got ready, went downstairs, and asked, 'Have you seen what just happened?' I still can't quite believe it."
From a family of Brentford season-ticket holders, Cheatley's connection to the club runs deep. She can see the G-Tech Community Stadium from her west London home, and when she's not scoring goals, she's part of the team providing technical support for the club's online ticketing platform.
"My life is Brentford, essentially," she says.
It's a surreal feeling for her to see fans wearing 'Cheat Code' jumpers at Brentford games. Now, with a world-class goal to her name, does she think she has a shot at winning the Marta Award outright?
"Oh, I don't think so. I'm being realistic here," she admits. "And if I never score another wonder goal in my career, that's perfectly fine with me."
So, what do you think? Is Ashley Cheatley's story an inspiration or an underdog tale? Should she be a strong contender for the Marta Award? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
