The FIFA Puskás Award is given each year to the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant goal, celebrating creativity, technique, and sportsmanship. Over the last decade, some of the most unforgettable moments in football have been immortalized through this award. From stunning solo runs to acrobatic volleys, the FIFA Puskás Award showcases the artistry of the beautiful game. This article showcases the top 10 iconic goals that won the FIFA Puskás Award, highlighting not only the brilliance of the players but also the unforgettable matches and moments that defined modern football artistry.
10. Dániel Zsóri
- Year: 2019 Puskás Award
- Match: Debrecen vs Ferencvaros
Dániel Zsóri received the 2019 FIFA Puskás Award for his breathtaking overhead kick while playing for Debrecen. The strike, executed with perfect timing and agility, left spectators stunned as Zsóri connected with the ball mid-air, sending it into the net with exceptional precision. His goal showcased extraordinary athleticism, balance, and audacity, making it one of the most spectacular goals of the decade.
The FIFA Puskás Award highlighted Zsóri’s daring and technical mastery. His goal continues to inspire young players to attempt ambitious and creative strikes, demonstrating that innovation and skill can produce unforgettable moments on the football field.
9. Mohamed Salah
- Year: 2018 Puskás Award
- Match: Liverpool vs Everton
Mohamed Salah’s curling finish against Everton at Anfield won him the 2018 FIFA Puskás Award. Dribbling past defenders, Salah created space in a crowded penalty area and unleashed a perfectly curved shot into the far top corner. The goal demonstrated exceptional ball control, composure, and finishing skill, earning global acclaim.
The FIFA Puskás Award recognized Salah’s ability to combine speed, technique, and precision in a single moment. The goal further solidified his status as one of the world’s top forwards and demonstrated why spectacular individual effort is celebrated in the award’s history
8. Marcin Oleksy
- Year: 2022 Puskás Award
- Match: Warta Poznan vs Stal Rzeszow
Marcin Oleksy, a Polish amputee footballer, earned the 2022 FIFA Puskás Award for his remarkable acrobatic volley. Scoring in the domestic league for Warta Poznan against Stal Rzeszow, Oleksy’s goal demonstrated courage, technique, and determination. The award highlighted football’s inclusivity and the power of skill and creativity.
The FIFA Puskás Award honored Oleksy’s achievement as a historic moment, showcasing that extraordinary goals can transcend traditional barriers. Fans and players celebrated the goal as an example of perseverance and talent.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović
- Year: 2013 Puskás Award
- Match: Sweden vs England
Zlatan Ibrahimović’s incredible overhead volley for Sweden against England earned him the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award. Striking the ball from over 30 meters with perfect technique, Zlatan executed a goal that seemed physically impossible. The audacity, precision, and sheer power of the shot captured worldwide attention, instantly becoming one of the most talked-about goals in football history. The goal is frequently cited in discussions of the most spectacular strikes ever scored.
This goal exemplified why Zlatan is considered a master of technique and flair. The FIFA Puskás Award recognized his creativity, execution, and ability to perform under pressure. The goal became a cultural moment, celebrated not only in Sweden but across the globe, inspiring fans and players alike to push the boundaries of possibility in football.
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6. James Rodríguez
- Year: 2014 Puskás Award
- Match: Colombia vs Uruguay, 2014 FIFA World Cup
James Rodríguez won the 2014 FIFA Puskás Award for his unforgettable goal for Colombia against Uruguay in the FIFA World Cup. Receiving the ball with his chest while facing away from goal, James executed a perfect turn and unleashed a powerful volley into the top-left corner. The precision, timing, and difficulty of the strike made it one of the tournament’s standout moments. Fans worldwide admired the technical brilliance of the goal, cementing its place in FIFA Puskás Award history.
This goal not only displayed James Rodríguez’s skill but also demonstrated the ability to perform under global pressure. The FIFA Puskás Award honored the combination of innovation and execution that makes football exciting. His goal remains a classic example of how World Cup moments can inspire the footballing community and define careers.
5. Neymar
- Year: 2011 Puskás Award
- Match: Santos vs Flamengo
Neymar’s goal that won the 2011 FIFA Puskás Award is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant solo efforts in modern football. Starting near his own half, Neymar skillfully dribbled past several Flamengo players with close ball control and mesmerizing footwork. He executed a combination of feints and tricks before calmly finishing into the net, leaving the opposition stunned. This goal not only highlighted Neymar’s individual talent but also showcased his creativity and confidence at a young age. Fans and analysts praised the goal for its technical excellence and audacity, making it a standout in the history of the FIFA Puskás Award.
Neymar’s achievement with the FIFA Puskás Award was a defining moment in his career. The goal demonstrated the potential for flair and entertainment in professional football while emphasizing the importance of individual brilliance. Beyond the solo run, Neymar’s composure to finish under pressure exemplified why this goal remains iconic. The FIFA Puskás Award recognized his exceptional skill, setting a benchmark for future contenders.
4. Wendell Lira
- Year: 2015 Puskás Award
- Match: Goianesia vs Atletico Goianiense
Wendell Lira’s bicycle kick for Goianesia won him the 2015 FIFA Puskás Award, demonstrating that incredible goals can come from any level of football. The twisting kick, executed perfectly in mid-air, was a combination of agility, timing, and precision. Despite playing in Brazil’s regional leagues, Lira’s effort captivated the footballing world and highlighted the universal appeal of spectacular goals.
The FIFA Puskás Award recognized Lira’s creativity and technique. This goal became an inspiration to young players globally, emphasizing that talent and vision are not limited to the top European leagues. The award highlighted that football is about moments of genius, no matter the stage.
3. Olivier Giroud
- Year: 2017 Puskás Award
- Match: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Olivier Giroud’s scorpion kick against Crystal Palace earned him the 2017 FIFA Puskás Award. Executed in a rare and highly technical move, Giroud turned a defensive clearance into one of football’s most extraordinary strikes. The goal immediately went viral, with fans praising the creativity and risk involved in attempting such a strike during a professional match.
The FIFA Puskás Award recognized the combination of imagination and execution. Giroud’s goal inspired discussions about the limits of technical ability in football. It highlighted how innovative thinking on the pitch can lead to unforgettable moments, cementing Giroud’s place in FIFA Puskás Award history.
2. Alejandro Garnacho
- Year: 2024 Puskás Award
- Match: Manchester United vs Everton
Alejandro Garnacho earned the 2024 FIFA Puskás Award for his stunning overhead kick for Manchester United against Everton in the Premier League. Garnacho’s precise timing and athleticism allowed him to strike the ball cleanly into the net, leaving defenders and fans amazed.
The FIFA Puskás Award recognized Garnacho’s audacity and technical brilliance. His goal has become an iconic moment of the decade, inspiring young players to attempt bold and creative techniques on the field.
1. Son Heung-Min
- Year: 2020 Puskás Award
- Match: Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
Son Heung-Min won the 2020 FIFA Puskás Award for his extraordinary solo effort for Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley. Starting near his own penalty area, Son dribbled past multiple defenders over 70 meters before finishing with calm precision into the net. His pace, skill, and composure under pressure made the goal truly unforgettable.
The FIFA Puskás Award celebrated Son’s individual brilliance and vision. This goal is considered one of the most remarkable solo efforts in football history, inspiring players worldwide to combine daring, technique, and creativity in their play.
FAQs :
Q1: What is the FIFA Puskás Award?
A1: The FIFA Puskás Award is given annually to the player judged to have scored the most beautiful and aesthetically significant goal in football.
Q2: Who decides the FIFA Puskás Award winner?
A2: Winners are selected through a combination of votes from experts, fans, and FIFA’s panel.
Q3: Can players from any league win the Puskás Award?
A3: Yes. Players from top leagues, lower divisions, and even amateur competitions are eligible if the goal is remarkable.
Q4: Which goal is considered the most iconic in FIFA Puskás Award history?
A4: Opinions vary, but goals by Neymar (2011), Ibrahimović (2013), and Garnacho (2024) are frequently cited as historic moments.
Q5: Has any amputee footballer won the FIFA Puskás Award?
A5: Yes. Marcin Oleksy won the 2022 FIFA Puskás Award for his acrobatic volley in Poland, making history.