Dimitri Payet scored a mind-boggling free kick goal as a birthday present to himself

Tuesday evening was an emotional match for the French national team. It marked the team’s first home appearance in Paris since their November friendly against Germany that was marred by a suicide bombing outside the stadium.

Dimitri “French Pirlo” Payet was subbed on in the 62nd minute with France clinging to a 2-1 advantage over Russia.

Less than a minute later, after a foul gave the French a free kick, this happened:

(Credit: /u/papa_poncho from /r/soccer)

The reverse angle is just as breathtaking:

Honing his craft in his first season in the Premier League for once under the radar West Ham -- now in fifth place, thanks in no small part to Payet -- the Frenchman’s been scoring just stupid set-piece goals all season both for club and country.

Simply put, Dimitri Payet is the best soccer player in the world you aren’t already geeking out over.

Did we mention today was his birthday?

Go ahead and give Payet all the trophies:

Following Payet’s wonderstrike, Les Bleus would go on to beat Russia, 4-2.

With France set to host the big forthcoming European championships in June and July, the only question that remains is what sort of wizardy will Payet treat us to this summer?