Cheat Code Strike Earns Global Recognition
Ashley Cheatley’s unforgettable goal — controlled on her thigh, flicked over a defender, and finished with a stunning overhead kick — has officially placed her among the world’s best.
Known to Brentford fans as the “Cheat Code,” the 30-year-old forward has been nominated for the Fifa Marta Award, which celebrates the finest goals scored in women’s football.
Her spectacular strike, scored last November in the FA Cup first round, now stands alongside entries from major stars such as Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey, Netherlands and Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema, and Brazilian icon Marta.
“These are proper footballers,” Cheatley joked. “And then there’s me—just kicking the ball around on a Sunday for fun!”
Cheatley arrived from Ashford Town ahead of the 2024-25 season and quickly made an impact, netting 46 goals as Brentford secured promotion from the sixth tier.
She insists the award-nominated goal was pure instinct.
“I didn’t even think about it,” she said. “The touch was perfect and with my back to goal, there was only one thing I could try.”
From Bath-Time Shock to Global Spotlight
The forward had attempted similar acrobatic moves before — even striking the bar during her Ashford days — but this time the effort flew in and sparked Brentford’s impressive run to the FA Cup third round.
The Marta Award winner will be selected through combined fan voting and a panel of “Fifa legends,” with voting open until 28 November.
Cheatley described the surreal moment she learned about her nomination:
“I was in the bath getting message after message. I had no idea what was happening!”
Even after telling her family and heading downstairs to confirm it, she says the news still feels unbelievable.
“I was sitting in the Tesco car park thinking, ‘Is this real? What is going on?’”
A Brentford Life On and Off the Pitch
Coming from a family of dedicated Brentford supporters, Cheatley lives close enough to see the G-Tech Community Stadium from her home. When she’s not scoring goals, she works behind the scenes helping run the club’s online ticketing system.
“My whole life is basically Brentford,” she said.
Seeing her nickname “Cheat Code” worn by fans on jumpers at games still feels unreal. But despite her global recognition, Cheatley remains humble.
Winning the award?
“Oh, I don’t! I’m being realistic,” she laughed. “And if I never score another wonder goal again, I’m totally fine with that.”
Also Read: Seven Games, 20 Goals, Zero Conceded – England March Toward Perfection
