While soccer fans around the world are paying so much attention to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Claudio Bravo, a young kid out of Cucuta, Colombia, is quickly taking the soccer world by storm.

James Rodriguez began the new year very well by winning the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award. The FIFA Puskas Award is an annual prize handed out to the player who scores the most beautiful goal of the year without the distinction of luck or nationality.

Rodriguez's award-winning goal came in the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Uruguay.

The goal was scored in the Round of 16 in a 2-0 victory over Colombia's South American rival. Rodriguez scored both goals in that game, sending Colombia to the quarterfinals, where they eventually lost to Brazil, 2-1. Yes, Rodriguez scored the only goal for Colombia in that game, as well.

Despite being just 23 years old, Rodriguez won the Golden Boot award as the top scorer at the World Cup with six goals.

"I want to thank all of those who voted. This was also a very special goal for me and all of Colombia. I have only words of happiness to express. Thanks," Rodriguez said when accepting the award in Zurich, Switzerland.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the first time that the Colombian National Team has ever made it to the quarterfinals.

Rodriguez's incredible goal was scored in the 28th minute in a 0-0 game. The goals was scored against goalkeeper Fernando Muslera with an upper left hook shot. This goal wasn't just an amazing shot, it had huge implications. With that goal, Colombia took a 1-0 lead over Uruguay and never looked back.

Stephanie Roche of Ireland finished in second place for her acrobatic mid-field kick, and Robin van Persie's diving header against Spain in the World Cup finished third.

To no one's surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded his second consecutive Ballon d'Or. Many soccer fans believed Lionel Messi deserved the award, which he had won three consecutive years from 2010 to 2012. Ronaldo scored at a higher rate, and he is on pace to break Messi's single season La Liga scoring record. Ronaldo had previously won the Puskas Award in 2009.

As for Rodriguez, he is now the second Latin American-born player to win the award. In 2011, Neymar won the award with his goal against Flamengo. Rodriguez has also become the first player to ever win the Puskas because of a goal that came during the FIFA World Cup.

With Ronaldo and Rodriguez both winning such prestigious awards, Real Madrid appears to be the biggest winner of all.

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS AND UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE