The Puskas Award is an annual football award presented by FIFA for the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or "most beautiful", goal of the year. It was first awarded in 2009, and is named after the legendary Hungarian and Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskás of the 1950s and 1960s. From 2009 until 2023, the award was open to both male and female players. For 2024, a new award was created, the Marta Award for the Women's Goal of the Year, and the Puskas Award became for just male players.

Complete List of Puskas Award Winners

Year Player Goal Description
2024 Alejandro Garnacho Manchester United's player for his sensational overhead kick against Everton in the Premier League in November 2023.
2023 Guilherme Madruga A stunning bicycle kick from long range.
2022 Marcin Oleksy Polish amputee player Marcin Oleksy scored a stunning, acrobatic volley in his domestic league for Warta Poznan against Stal Rzeszow.
2021 Erik Lamela For the Argentine's audacious rabona and nutmeg goal for Tottenham against Arsenal. It was also the first time a player from the same club had won the award in consecutive years.
2020 Son Heung-Min Tottenham player Son Heungmin claimed the prize for his solo goal, taking the ball from near his own penalty area, before dribbling 70 meters to score against Burnley FC.
2019 Daniel Zsori For his spectacular overhead kick for Debrecen.
2018 Mohamed Salah For his sensational goal against Everton at Anfield, he spun away from his marker in the area before curling a shot into the far top corner.
2017 Olivier Giroud Scorpion kick goal against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
2016 Mohd Faiz Subri A remarkable swerving free kick. He was the first Malaysian to be nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award.
2015 Wendell Lira For his twisting bicycle kick, playing for Goianesia in Brazil's Goiano.
2014 James Rodriguez The Real Madrid goal for Colombia at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He chested the ball down with his back to goal, turned and volleyed an unstoppable effort from 25 meters into the top, left-hand corner of the net. It was also voted Goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
2013 Zlatan Ibrahimovic For his amazing overhead volley into the goal from more than 30 meters in Sweden's friendly match against England.
2012 Miroslav Stoch For a beautiful volley from outside the penalty area.
2011 Neymar For a sensational goal against Flamengo, he first weaved his way through most of the opposition defence from near the halfway line and pulled off an amazing trick before slotting the ball into the goal.
2010 Hamit Altintop Bullet-like first-time shot into the top corner of the net from 18 meters.
2009 Cristiano Ronaldo Ronaldo won the award for his long-range goal against Porto in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Award Criteria and Selection Process

There are several criteria for the Puskas award. Primarily, it is given regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender or religion. Also, the goal shouldn't be a product of luck, such as a deflection off a defender. Of course, it must also be captured on film.

The award was originally determined entirely through fan voting. However, following a controversial outcome in 2018, FIFA reformed the voting system. Beginning in 2019, the selection process now combines public votes with input from a panel of football legends chosen by FIFA.

Award Criteria

Goals must be captured on film, not be a product of luck, and are judged regardless of nationality or gender (until 2024).

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Voting Process

Since 2019, winners have been decided by both fan votes and a panel of FIFA legends, improving the selection process.

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Ferenc Puskas Legacy

The award honors Ferenc Puskas, who scored 514 goals in 529 matches and revolutionized attacking football.

Puskas Profile →

Pro Tip: Watch compilation videos of all Puskas Award winners to truly appreciate the variety and beauty of these goals - from thunderous long-range strikes to delicate chips and acrobatic overhead kicks.

"The FIFA Puskás Award is designed to recognize the player, male or female, who scores the most aesthetically significant, or 'most beautiful' goal of the year."  
—FIFA, 2009

Most Memorable Puskas Award Winners

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2013): Perhaps the most spectacular winner, scoring an overhead bicycle kick from over 30 meters against England. The goal showcased incredible athleticism and audacity.

Marcin Oleksy (2022): Made history as the first amputee player to win the award, proving that football excellence transcends physical limitations.

James Rodriguez (2014): His World Cup volley against Uruguay demonstrated perfect technique and timing on football's biggest stage.

Son Heung-Min (2020): A breathtaking solo run from his own penalty area, dribbling past multiple defenders before scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FIFA Puskas Award?

The Puskas Award is an annual football award presented by FIFA for the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or "most beautiful", goal of the year. It's named after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas and has been awarded since 2009.

Who won the first Puskas Award?

Cristiano Ronaldo won the inaugural Puskas Award in 2009 for his long-range goal against Porto in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. The strike demonstrated power, precision, and technique from a distance.

How is the Puskas Award winner decided?

Since 2019, the winner has been decided by a combination of fan votes and votes from a panel of legends selected by FIFA. Previously, from 2009 to 2018, it was based solely on fan votes, which led to some controversial decisions.

Can women win the Puskas Award?

From 2009 to 2023, the award was open to both male and female players. Starting in 2024, FIFA created a separate Marta Award for women's goals, and the Puskas Award became exclusively for male players.

Who has scored the most spectacular Puskas Award-winning goal?

While subjective, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 2013 overhead volley from over 30 meters against England is often considered the most spectacular. The combination of distance, technique, and audacity makes it a standout winner in the award's history.

What makes a goal eligible for the Puskas Award?

The goal must be captured on film, must not be a product of luck or deflection, and should demonstrate exceptional beauty or technical skill. Goals are considered regardless of the competition level, nationality, or gender (until 2024) of the scorer.