The FIFA Puskas Award is the epitome of football artistry, honoring the most sensational goals from a breathtaking array of contenders across men's and women's football. Named after the legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskas, whose individual brilliance defined an era, this prestigious award celebrates the most spectacular goals from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023. The shortlist features a mosaic of stunning strikes that encapsulate the essence of football's beauty, where sheer audacity, precision, and creativity converge to create moments in football history.
Álvaro Barreal's left-foot volley in Cincinnati's US Open Cup quarter-final immediately stands out, a masterpiece catapulting into the top corner, steering his team towards a thrilling 3-1 triumph. Linda Caicedo's mesmerizing goal for Colombia in the Australia & New Zealand 2023™, a display of skill and finesse, found its place among the contenders after an exceptional year showcasing her talent on multiple international stages.
Julio Enciso's thunderous right-foot strike against the Premier League champions for Brighton added another dimension to the Puskas contenders' list. At the same time, Seong-jin Kang's mesmerizing solo effort for the Korea Republic in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup epitomized sheer determination and skill.
Sam Kerr's inspiring goal for Australia against England during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, an emblem of her resilience and talent, and Brian Lozano's swerving, dipping long-range effort for Club America showcased a different facet of brilliance.
Guilherme Madruga's unexpected overhead kick for Botafogo and Iván Morante's clinical volley for UD Ibiza added an element of surprise and finesse to the Puskas nominees. At the same time, Nuno Santos's audacious left-foot rabona displayed sheer inventiveness. Askhat Tagybergen's screamer for Kazakhstan and Bia Zaneratto's culmination of a Brazilian team goal added diversity to the contenders' list, each goal a testament to individual brilliance or collective artistry.
Comparisons with Alejandro Garnacho’s goal
Alejandro Garnacho's incredible goal stands out among the Puskas nominees, unrivaled in audacity, timing, and the game's early stage, reminiscent of Wayne Rooney's iconic Manchester Derby overhead kick. Yet, past Puskas history has seen discrepancies; in 2018, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale's stunning overhead kicks lost to Mohamed Salah's long-range shot against Everton, sparking controversy. While Salah's goal was remarkable, it paled against the brilliance of the two Real Madrid icons. The outcome of Garnacho's goal remains uncertain, but it's a clear standout deserving of the win for us.