Puskas Award: Every Winner From 2009-2022
The FIFA Puskás Award is an award established on 20 October 2009 by FIFA, at the behest of Sepp Blatter, then-president of FIFA, to be awarded to the male or female player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or most beautiful, goal of the year. The award is in honour of Ferenc Puskás, the captain and star striker of the Hungary national team during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Let's dive into the details of each winner, celebrating the artistry and athleticism behind these remarkable goals. From gravity-defying volleys to intricate team plays, the Puskás Award has consistently showcased the magic that football can produce. Each goal tells a unique story, reflecting the individual brilliance and collective spirit of the beautiful game. Join us as we relive these unforgettable moments, celebrating the players who have etched their names into footballing history with their extraordinary strikes.
Cristiano Ronaldo (2009)
The inaugural Puskás Award in 2009 was presented to none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, then playing for Manchester United. His winning goal came in a Champions League quarter-final match against Porto. Receiving the ball in midfield, Ronaldo unleashed a thunderous, dipping shot from around 40 yards out. The sheer power and precision of the strike left the goalkeeper helpless as the ball soared into the top corner of the net. This goal wasn't just a display of Ronaldo's incredible striking ability; it was a testament to his confidence and audacity on the field.
Ronaldo's goal set a high standard for future Puskás Award contenders. It perfectly encapsulated the qualities that the award seeks to recognize: extraordinary skill, breathtaking technique, and the ability to create a moment of pure magic. The goal showcased his exceptional technique and audaciousness, rocketing the ball into the top corner with unstoppable force. This award underscored Ronaldo's status as one of the world's premier players and highlighted his penchant for scoring spectacular goals on the grandest stages. The goal not only helped Manchester United advance in the Champions League but also etched Ronaldo's name in the history books as the first-ever recipient of this prestigious award. It remains one of the most iconic goals of his illustrious career and a symbol of his unparalleled talent.
Hamit Altıntop (2010)
In 2010, Hamit Altıntop claimed the Puskás Award for his stunning volley while playing for Turkey against Kazakhstan in a Euro 2012 qualifier. Altıntop connected with a corner kick, unleashing a right-footed volley from the edge of the penalty box. The ball traveled at lightning speed, finding the top corner of the net and leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. What made this goal particularly special was the technique and timing required to execute such a powerful and accurate strike. Altıntop's goal was a moment of pure brilliance, demonstrating his exceptional skill and ability to produce the unexpected. It was a goal that not only secured a crucial victory for Turkey but also earned him recognition as the scorer of the year's most beautiful goal.
Altıntop's goal was a true testament to the beauty of football, showcasing the ability of a player to create a moment of magic out of seemingly nothing. The goal not only won him the Puskás Award but also cemented his place in footballing history as the scorer of one of the most memorable goals of all time. This recognition highlighted the global appeal of the award, celebrating extraordinary goals from players representing diverse nations and leagues.
Neymar (2011)
The 2011 Puskás Award celebrated the brilliance of Neymar, then emerging as a prodigious talent at Santos. His winning goal was a mesmerizing solo effort against Flamengo in the Brazilian Serie A. Receiving the ball on the left wing, Neymar embarked on a dazzling run, weaving past multiple defenders with incredible skill and agility. He then coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, completing a goal that showcased his exceptional dribbling ability and composure in front of goal. This goal exemplified Neymar's unique flair and creativity, traits that would later make him a global superstar.
Neymar's goal was a true embodiment of the 'beautiful game,' combining individual brilliance with an eye-catching display of skill and finesse. The goal not only won him the Puskás Award but also served as a glimpse into the future, foreshadowing the remarkable career that lay ahead for the young Brazilian. This award highlighted the global reach of the Puskás Award, recognizing exceptional goals scored in leagues and competitions around the world.
Miroslav Stoch (2012)
Miroslav Stoch secured the 2012 Puskás Award for his sensational volley while playing for Fenerbahçe against Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Süper Lig. From a corner kick, Stoch unleashed a powerful, dipping volley from the edge of the penalty area. The ball flew past the goalkeeper and into the net, sparking wild celebrations among Fenerbahçe fans. Stoch's goal was a remarkable display of technique and power, demonstrating his ability to produce a moment of magic from a set-piece situation.
The stunning strike not only earned him the Puskás Award but also etched his name in Fenerbahçe's history books. Stoch's goal was a testament to the global appeal of the Puskás Award, which celebrates extraordinary goals scored in leagues and competitions around the world. This recognition highlighted the diversity of talent in football and the ability of players from different backgrounds to create moments of brilliance.
Zlatan Ibrahimović (2013)
In 2013, Zlatan Ibrahimović added another accolade to his illustrious career by winning the Puskás Award for his audacious overhead kick while playing for Sweden against England. From well outside the penalty area, Ibrahimović launched himself into the air, connecting with a high ball and sending it looping over Joe Hart and into the net. The goal was a remarkable feat of athleticism and improvisation, showcasing Ibrahimović's incredible technique and audacity. This goal was a true testament to Ibrahimović's unique talent and personality, solidifying his status as one of the most charismatic and skilled players in the world.
Ibrahimović's goal was an unforgettable moment in football history, a goal that will be replayed and admired for generations to come. This recognition further cemented Ibrahimović's legacy as one of the greatest strikers of his generation. The goal exemplified his ability to combine athleticism, technique, and sheer audacity to produce moments of pure magic on the field.
James Rodríguez (2014)
James Rodríguez was the recipient of the 2014 Puskás Award, awarded for his stunning volley during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Representing Colombia against Uruguay in the Round of 16, Rodríguez controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful, dipping volley from outside the penalty area. The ball soared into the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and sparking wild celebrations among Colombian fans. Rodríguez's goal was a moment of pure brilliance, showcasing his exceptional technique and composure on the world's biggest stage.
Rodríguez's goal not only won him the Puskás Award but also earned him the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer. This recognition highlighted Rodríguez's emergence as one of the brightest young talents in world football. The goal showcased his ability to perform under pressure and produce moments of magic when his team needed it most.
Wendell Lira (2015)
The 2015 Puskás Award was presented to Wendell Lira for his remarkable goal while playing for Goianésia against Atlético Goianiense in the Brazilian Goiás State League. Lira executed a breathtaking overhead kick, connecting perfectly with the ball and sending it into the top corner of the net. The goal was a testament to Lira's athleticism and technique, demonstrating his ability to produce a moment of magic in a relatively unknown league. Lira's victory was a heartwarming story, showcasing the Puskás Award's ability to recognize talent from all levels of the game.
Lira's goal was a reminder that moments of brilliance can be found anywhere in the world, regardless of the stage or competition. The award highlighted the global appeal of football and the ability of players from different backgrounds to create unforgettable moments. This recognition transformed Lira's career, providing him with opportunities he could only have dreamed of before.
Mohd Faiz Subri (2016)
Mohd Faiz Subri won the 2016 Puskás Award for his physics-defying free-kick while playing for Penang FA against Pahang FA in the Malaysia Super League. Subri struck the ball with incredible swerve and dip, sending it bending in a way that seemed to defy the laws of physics. The ball looped over the wall and into the top corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper completely bewildered. Subri's goal was a true wonder strike, showcasing his unique ability to manipulate the ball with incredible precision and power.
Subri's goal was a testament to the global reach of football and the ability of players from all corners of the world to produce moments of magic. This recognition brought international attention to Malaysian football and inspired countless young players in the country. The goal exemplified his creativity and skill, turning a routine free-kick into a moment of pure genius.
Olivier Giroud (2017)
In 2017, Olivier Giroud received the Puskás Award for his 'scorpion kick' goal while playing for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. Reacting instinctively to a cross from the left wing, Giroud flicked the ball behind him with his heel, sending it looping over the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal was a remarkable display of athleticism and improvisation, showcasing Giroud's exceptional technique and acrobatic ability. Giroud's goal was a moment of pure brilliance, a goal that will be replayed and admired for years to come.
The goal showcased his ability to produce moments of magic out of seemingly impossible situations. This recognition solidified Giroud's reputation as one of the most underrated strikers in the world. The goal exemplified his unique blend of athleticism, technique, and creativity, turning a routine cross into a moment of pure genius.
Mohamed Salah (2018)
Mohamed Salah was awarded the 2018 Puskás Award for his stunning goal in the Merseyside derby against Everton in the English Premier League. Salah weaved through the Everton defense with mesmerizing dribbling skills before curling a precise shot into the far corner of the net. The goal showcased Salah's exceptional close control, agility, and finishing ability, solidifying his status as one of the world's best players. Salah's goal was a moment of pure brilliance, a goal that highlighted his incredible talent and skill.
This recognition further cemented Salah's place among the world's elite footballers. The goal exemplified his ability to combine individual brilliance with clinical finishing, turning a challenging situation into a moment of pure magic. The goal demonstrated his exceptional skill and ability to create something out of nothing.
Dániel Zsóri (2019)
Dániel Zsóri won the 2019 Puskás Award for his overhead kick while playing for Debrecen against Ferencváros in the Hungarian Nemzeti Bajnokság I. Zsóri connected perfectly with a cross, sending a spectacular overhead kick into the back of the net. The goal was a testament to Zsóri's athleticism and technique, demonstrating his ability to produce a moment of magic in a high-pressure situation. Zsóri's victory was a remarkable achievement for a young player, showcasing the Puskás Award's ability to recognize talent from all levels of the game.
Zsóri's goal was a reminder that moments of brilliance can be found anywhere in the world, regardless of the stage or competition. This recognition transformed Zsóri's career, providing him with opportunities he could only have dreamed of before. The goal demonstrated his exceptional skill and ability to create something out of nothing.
Son Heung-min (2020)
Son Heung-min was the recipient of the 2020 Puskás Award, awarded for his incredible solo goal Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley in the English Premier League. Son picked up the ball near his own penalty area and embarked on a mesmerizing run, weaving past multiple defenders before slotting the ball into the net. The goal showcased Son's exceptional speed, dribbling ability, and composure in front of goal, solidifying his status as one of the Premier League's most exciting players.
Son's goal was a moment of pure brilliance, a goal that highlighted his incredible talent and skill. This recognition further cemented Son's place among the world's elite footballers. The goal exemplified his ability to combine individual brilliance with clinical finishing, turning a challenging situation into a moment of pure magic.
Érik Lamela (2021)
Érik Lamela secured the 2021 Puskás Award for his audacious rabona goal while playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal in the English Premier League. Lamela, with his back to the goal, nonchalantly flicked the ball between his legs, sending it curling into the bottom corner of the net. The goal was a remarkable display of technique and improvisation, showcasing Lamela's incredible skill and audacity. Lamela's goal was a moment of pure brilliance, a goal that will be replayed and admired for years to come.
The goal showcased his ability to produce moments of magic out of seemingly impossible situations. This recognition solidified Lamela's reputation as one of the most unpredictable and talented players in the Premier League. The goal exemplified his unique blend of athleticism, technique, and creativity, turning a routine attack into a moment of pure genius.
Marcin Oleksy (2022)
Marcin Oleksy won the 2022 Puskás Award for his acrobatic bicycle kick while playing for Warta Poznań in the Polish amputee football league. Oleksy, using crutches, launched himself into the air and executed a perfect bicycle kick, sending the ball soaring into the net. Oleksy's goal was a testament to his incredible athleticism, determination, and skill, inspiring people around the world. Oleksy's victory was a groundbreaking moment, showcasing the Puskás Award's ability to recognize talent from all corners of the footballing world and celebrate the power of sport to overcome adversity.
Oleksy's goal was a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. This recognition transformed Oleksy's life, providing him with a platform to inspire others and promote the sport of amputee football. The goal exemplified his resilience, skill, and unwavering spirit, turning a challenging situation into a moment of pure inspiration.
