FIFA Puskás Award: The Ultimate Goalscorer's Prize

Hey football lovers! Ever witnessed a goal so jaw-dropping, it left you speechless? That's the feeling the FIFA Puskás Award aims to capture. This prestigious prize, established by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), honors the most spectacular, aesthetically significant, and globally recognized goal scored in a given calendar year. It's not just about who scores; it's about how they score. Think mind-bending volleys, audacious bicycle kicks, solo runs that defy physics, and long-range screamers that bend the very fabric of the game. Let's dive deep into what makes this award so special, how the winners are chosen, and who has etched their name in footballing history with their moments of genius.

What Exactly is the FIFA Puskás Award?

So, what's the buzz all about? The FIFA Puskás Award, named after the legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, is FIFA's tribute to the beautiful game's most stunning strikes. It's a celebration of creativity, skill, and the sheer audacity that makes football so captivating. Unlike awards that might focus on overall performance or teamwork, the Puskás Award solely concentrates on the beauty of a single goal. The award was launched on 20 October 2009, with the first award being presented to Cristiano Ronaldo.

This award isn't just a pat on the back for a great goal; it's a global recognition. The goals nominated come from all corners of the world, from professional leagues to youth competitions, showcasing the universal appeal and reach of football. Whether it's a breathtaking strike from the Champions League, the World Cup, or a local match in a small town, every goal is considered if it meets the criteria. This inclusivity is part of what makes the Puskás Award so exciting and unpredictable. You never know where the next masterpiece will come from.

The Core Values of the Award

• Aesthetic value: Does the goal look good? Is it visually stunning? The artistic merit of the goal is a primary consideration. Think about the form, the trajectory, the execution – does it leave you in awe?
• Importance: While individual brilliance is key, the significance of the goal within the context of the match matters. A goal scored in a crucial moment, like a match-winner in a final, often carries extra weight.
• No discrimination: This award knows no boundaries. It doesn’t matter what league the player plays in, their nationality, or gender – the most beautiful goal always wins.
• Fair Play: Does the goal show a high level of sportsmanship?

How are the Nominees and Winners Chosen?

Alright, let's talk about the selection process, because it’s as interesting as the goals themselves! The journey to becoming a Puskás Award winner is a multi-step process. It starts with FIFA's initial selection, then a voting process where the entire world can participate!

The Nomination Process

• Initial Nominations: FIFA compiles a longlist of potential goals scored between a specific period, usually from around the world. These nominations are based on various factors, including the goals' visual appeal, significance, and overall impact. A panel of FIFA legends and football experts is typically responsible for this stage.
• The Shortlist: From the longlist, a panel of experts narrows down the field to a shortlist of around 10 goals. This shortlist represents the best of the best, the goals that have truly stood out during the year.

Voting and the Winner Announcement

• Public Voting: This is where the fun begins! Fans worldwide get to cast their votes for their favorite goals from the shortlist. FIFA usually opens up voting on their official website, allowing football fanatics like you and me to have our say. This public vote accounts for a percentage of the overall score.
• Expert Panel Vote: Alongside the public vote, a panel of FIFA legends and experts also casts their votes. Their votes contribute to the final decision and carry significant weight.
• The Announcement: The votes are tallied, and the goal with the highest combined score (public vote + expert panel vote) is declared the winner! The winner is usually announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, a star-studded event that celebrates the best players, coaches, and goals in the world.

Notable Puskás Award Winners and Their Masterpieces

Let’s dive into some of the most memorable moments in Puskás Award history. These goals are more than just scores; they are works of art, moments frozen in time that we can relive and enjoy repeatedly.

Cristiano Ronaldo (2009)

Who else to kick things off but the man who received the first ever award? In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo took home the inaugural Puskás Award for his thunderous long-range strike for Manchester United against Porto in the Champions League. The ball seemed to explode off his foot, rocketing into the top corner. This goal wasn’t just about power; it was about the perfect combination of speed, precision, and sheer audacity. It set the bar incredibly high for those who followed.

Hamit Altıntop (2010)

In 2010, Hamit Altıntop's incredible volley for Turkey against Kazakhstan showcased the pure, unpredictable beauty of football. The ball swerved and dipped, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. It was a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unexpected goals are the most memorable.

Neymar (2011)

Neymar's stunning solo effort for Santos against Flamengo in 2011 was a true work of art. Dribbling past multiple defenders with dazzling skill and composure before slotting the ball home, this goal showed the genius of the Brazilian superstar. This goal was a reminder that football is not just about the score, but also the artistr.

Zlatan Ibrahimović (2013)

Zlatan Ibrahimović, the enigmatic Swedish striker, took home the prize in 2013 for a remarkable overhead kick from a seemingly impossible angle during a friendly match between Sweden and England. The distance, the angle, and the sheer audacity of the attempt made this goal instantly iconic. It was a demonstration of Zlatan's confidence and skill.

James Rodríguez (2014)

James Rodríguez's volley for Colombia against Uruguay at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was a moment of pure magic. The way he controlled the ball on his chest and then unleashed a stunning left-footed volley that swerved and dipped under the crossbar was an instant classic. This goal was a testament to his technical skill and the importance of the World Cup stage.

Mohd Faiz Subri (2016)

This goal was unique because it demonstrated how one of the most unexpected goals can win the award. The Malaysian player scored a free-kick that had an unbelievable swerve that left the goalkeeper bewildered. It was a goal that defied the laws of physics and showed that football always has something to surprise us with.

Olivier Giroud (2017)

Olivier Giroud's scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in 2017 was a reminder of football’s capacity for theatrics. Giroud connected with the cross behind him, sending the ball soaring over the keeper and into the goal. It was a moment of pure brilliance, showcasing Giroud's creativity and flexibility.

Mohamed Salah (2018)

Mohamed Salah's individual brilliance for Liverpool against Everton, curling a stunning goal from the right side of the penalty area, captured the world's attention. With skill and precision, Salah took on the defenders and put the ball in the top right corner. It was a display of skill and determination. This goal showcased the brilliance of the Egyptian King.

Son Heung-min (2020)

Son Heung-min’s incredible solo run and finish for Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley in 2020 was a goal of breathtaking speed and skill. Son ran from his own half, leaving defenders in his wake, before calmly slotting the ball home. This goal showed Son's speed, skill, and composure, making it one of the most memorable goals of the year.

Other Memorable Winners

While the above are some of the most famous, many other football legends have won the Puskás Award, each adding their unique style and flair. Robert Lewandowski's stunning volley, and Richarlison's acrobatic bicycle kick are just a few examples.

The Puskás Award: A Legacy of Brilliance

The FIFA Puskás Award is more than just a trophy; it is a testament to the artistry and the emotional rollercoaster of football. It reminds us why we watch, why we cheer, and why we celebrate the beautiful game. Every year, it brings us moments of pure wonder, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity present in football worldwide. As the game evolves, the Puskás Award will continue to highlight the most stunning goals, keeping the spirit of Ferenc Puskás alive and inspiring players and fans alike.

So, the next time you witness a breathtaking goal, remember the FIFA Puskás Award. Remember the incredible players, the incredible moments, and the beautiful game. The award is a reminder that in football, it is not just about winning; it's about making a masterpiece, one goal at a time. The award has also become a symbol of what makes football so much fun, such as how different people can vote and enjoy the best goals.