Puskas Award Winners: Celebrating Football's Best Goals

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey football fanatics! Ever wondered about the Puskas Award and the absolute bangers that have won it? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the world of stunning goals and the incredible players who've made history. The Puskas Award, named after the legendary Ferenc Puskas, is FIFA's way of celebrating the most beautiful goal scored in a calendar year. It's a prestigious honor, recognizing not just skill, but also creativity, audacity, and sheer brilliance. So, let's get into the Puskas Award and its amazing winners, exploring the magic that has unfolded on the pitch.

What is the Puskas Award?

So, what exactly is this Puskas Award all about? In a nutshell, it's FIFA's way of saying, "Hey, that goal was absolutely phenomenal!" The award was established in 2009 to honor Ferenc Puskas, a Hungarian football legend known for his incredible goal-scoring ability. The Puskas Award isn't just about scoring; it's about the art of scoring. It's about those goals that make you jump out of your seat, the ones you replay over and over, and the ones that leave you speechless. The criteria are pretty straightforward: the goal must be aesthetically beautiful, scored without luck or deflection, and, ideally, be a significant goal in a match. The selection process involves a panel of FIFA experts who nominate the goals, and then fans from around the world vote to decide the winner. It is a true testament to the beauty of the sport, and a way to highlight some of the most memorable moments in the game. It is designed to recognize not only the skill but also the artistry and imagination that can go into a goal. The award serves as a global celebration of the beautiful game, and the incredible talent that the game hosts.

This award is more than just a trophy; it's a symbol of inspiration. It motivates players to push their boundaries, try audacious shots, and create moments of magic on the field. The award also encourages fans to appreciate the beauty of the sport and celebrate the moments that make football so captivating. With each winner, the award etches its place in football history, reminding us of the timeless allure of a perfectly executed goal. Each nominated goal gets reviewed by a panel, ensuring that it meets the high standards of the award, and that the chosen goals represent the pinnacle of footballing talent. The Puskas Award is a reminder that football is an art form, where skill, creativity, and passion converge to create moments of pure brilliance.

The All-Time Puskas Award Winners

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here's a look at the Puskas Award winners over the years, showcasing some of the most jaw-dropping goals in football history. Each goal is a story, a testament to the player's skill, and a moment that will forever be etched in football folklore. From stunning volleys to solo runs ending with pinpoint accuracy, these goals represent the best of the best.

2009: Cristiano Ronaldo – Remember that rocket of a goal for Manchester United against Porto? A long-range stunner that left everyone in awe. It was a perfect display of power and precision. Ronaldo's goal set the bar high and established the award as a significant event in the football calendar. The sheer power and accuracy of the shot were breathtaking, a true masterpiece of long-range striking.
2010: Hamit Altıntop – His volley for Turkey against Kazakhstan was a thing of beauty. A powerful strike from outside the box, demonstrating exceptional technique and control. Altintop's goal was a moment of pure inspiration, a testament to his skill and ability to perform under pressure. It was a goal that would be talked about for years to come. The goal was a reminder of the unexpected brilliance that can occur in the sport.
2011: Neymar – His solo effort for Santos against Flamengo was a work of art. Dribbling past multiple defenders before slotting the ball into the net with grace and finesse. Neymar's goal was a celebration of skill, and his ability to weave through opponents created an iconic moment for both him and the award. The goal was a symbol of his growing reputation as one of the world's most exciting talents.
2012: Miroslav Stoch – His volley for Fenerbahçe against Gençlerbirliği was a testament to perfect technique. A stunning strike from outside the box, displaying exceptional control and power. Stoch's goal was a perfect example of what can be achieved when a player is fully committed and perfectly focused.
2013: Zlatan Ibrahimović – The incredible overhead kick for Paris Saint-Germain against England was simply unforgettable. A moment of pure brilliance that combined athleticism and skill. Ibrahimović's goal was a testament to his confidence and ability to perform in the biggest moments. The goal was more than just a goal; it was an artistic expression of athletic prowess.
2014: James Rodríguez – The volley for Colombia against Uruguay during the FIFA World Cup was a thing of beauty. A moment of extraordinary skill and the perfect execution of a difficult shot. Rodriguez's goal was a global sensation, showcasing his talent on the world's biggest stage. It was a moment of true sporting magic.
2015: Wendell Lira – His bicycle kick for Goianésia against Atlético-GO was a moment of pure athleticism and creativity. A testament to his commitment and the ability to perform under pressure. Lira's goal was a beautiful demonstration of the art of the bicycle kick, executed with power and precision.
2016: Mohd Faiz Subri – His free-kick for Penang against Pahang was a truly unique and memorable goal. A swerving, bending shot that defied physics, showcasing a remarkable ability to generate spin. Subri's goal was a testament to innovation and skill, and it will be remembered as one of the most unique goals in football history.
2017: Olivier Giroud – His scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace was a moment of audacious skill and creativity. A goal that combined flair and technical mastery. Giroud's goal was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure, showcasing his incredible technique in a difficult situation. The goal was a highlight of his career and a symbol of his sporting excellence.
2018: Mohamed Salah – His solo effort for Liverpool against Everton was a display of skill and determination. Dribbling past multiple defenders with speed and precision, showcasing his incredible talent. Salah's goal highlighted his incredible skill and goal-scoring ability.
2019: Daniel Zsori – His bicycle kick for Debrecen against Ferencváros was a moment of pure drama and skill. A goal that showcased athleticism and composure. Zsori's goal was a reminder of the unpredictable and exciting nature of football. It was a testament to the young player's talent and potential.
2020: Son Heung-min – His solo effort for Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley was a masterclass in skill and pace. Dribbling from his own half and showcasing his incredible talent. Son's goal was a testament to his skill and a demonstration of his impressive goal-scoring ability.
2021: Érik Lamela – His rabona for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal was a moment of pure skill and creativity. A goal that combined flair and technical mastery. Lamela's goal will be remembered as one of the most audacious and memorable goals in football history.
2022: Marcin Oleksy – His stunning scissor kick for Warta Poznań against Stal Rzeszów was a testament to extraordinary skill and determination. Oleksy's goal was a reminder that anything is possible with dedication and a passion for the game. This goal was a testament to the power of human spirit and the love of the sport, overcoming the limitations and inspiring everyone.
2023: Guilherme Madruga - The latest addition to the Puskas Award Hall of Fame is Guilherme Madruga, who scored a spectacular scorpion kick for Botafogo against Novorizontino in the Brazilian Serie B. Madruga's incredible goal combined skill, power, and precision, showcasing his extraordinary talent. It was the perfect blend of technique and creativity.

Each winner has brought something unique to the table, showcasing different types of skill, flair, and creativity. Whether it's a long-range screamer, a solo run that defies defenders, or a moment of pure athletic prowess, these goals have left a lasting impression on the football world. Each goal is a celebration of the sport, and a reminder of the beauty and drama that football can provide. These goals are not just about the score; they are about the moments that define the player and leave fans speechless.

Memorable Moments and Iconic Goals

These goals are more than just about a single moment; they're about the lasting memories they create. Think of Cristiano Ronaldo's thunderous strike or Zlatan Ibrahimović's acrobatic masterpiece. Each goal is a story, a moment in time that football fans will revisit. These goals represent the magic of the sport, and these awards are a symbol of inspiration. The Puskas Award is a reminder that football is more than just a game; it's a source of joy, wonder, and unforgettable moments.

The winners have inspired countless players and fans, encouraging them to pursue their passion and strive for excellence. They have shown that anything is possible with skill, dedication, and a love for the game. The award helps to immortalize the brilliance, creativity, and the power of the beautiful game.

The Impact of the Puskas Award

The Puskas Award has had a significant impact on the football world. It's not just about celebrating the best goals; it's about promoting the beautiful game, and inspiring the next generation of players. It has become a symbol of excellence, a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the players. The award promotes fair play, because it rewards goals that are scored with skill and without any luck. It encourages players to try new things and experiment, to be creative, and to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.

The award helps to spotlight the incredible talent within the game and celebrates the moments that make football so captivating. By showcasing these incredible goals, it promotes the beauty of the sport and inspires both players and fans. The Puskas Award continues to play a significant role in football, celebrating the best goals, inspiring fans, and promoting the beautiful game.

It is about the players, the amazing goals, and the impact of the game that has on the world. The Puskas Award embodies this spirit, honoring the goal-scoring brilliance. It is more than just an award; it's a symbol of the beauty, skill, and sheer artistry that defines the beautiful game.

So there you have it, a rundown of some of the incredible Puskas Award winners over the years. Each goal is a masterpiece, a moment of pure footballing brilliance. Keep an eye out for the next winner and the next incredible goal that will be etched in football history. And as always, keep enjoying the beautiful game!