OFFICIAL: Alejandro Garnacho wins the 2024 PUSKAS Prize
The nominees for this year's PUSKAS Prize:
Hassan Al Haydos
Qatar v China PR | January 21, 2024
Al Haydos could not have captured this volley any sweeter. Akram Afif was the creator, driving a corner to the edge of the penalty area, where the Qatar striker waited to blast an unstoppable effort into the top corner. The goal secured a 1–0 victory for Qatar in the group stage of the AFC Asian Cup.
Did you know?
The goal was one of three scored by Al Haydos during Qatar's triumphant Asian Cup campaign. They defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final to win the title for the second time.
Terry Anthony
Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers | March 12, 2024
Melbourne City were 6-0 up and ahead in this A-League match – but the best was yet to come. With the ball still in Melbourne's half, Antonis lifted it over the head of Wanderers midfielder Oscar Priestman before unleashing a beautiful strike that sailed into the net.
Did you know?
Before joining Melbourne ahead of the 2023/24 season, Antonis played for Western Sydney Wanderers. He was at the club for two years from 2021 to 2023 and was also loaned there in 2017.
Yassine Benzia
Algeria v South Africa | March 26, 2024
Benzia collected a pass from Algerian teammate Monsef Bakrar with his back to goal, tapped the ball up with his right boot and then sensationally improvised to fire home a left-footed bicycle kick. The strike rattled the fans in Baraki and earned his team a 3–3 draw in this FIFA Series match.
Did you know?
Benzia scored five times for France at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup™. He represented the country up to U-21 level before switching allegiance to Algeria in 2016.
Walter Bou
Lanus vs. Tigre | August 4, 2024
This Argentinian top match seemed to be heading for a draw, with the score 2-2 and the clock ticking into the 90th minute. Lanus star Bou had other ideas, however, as he expertly controlled a hopeful ball with his chest before curling in a breathtaking overhead kick from 20 yards.
Did you know?
Bou had a dream debut for Lanus after joining the club in January 2024. He came off the bench to score both of his team's goals in a 2–0 win over San Lorenzo.
Michael Chirinos
Costa Rica vs Honduras | March 23, 2024
Chirinos' offense would have been a worthy candidate on its own, but the assist makes this even more special. Jerry Bengtson showed exceptional ingenuity to give his Honduras teammate a beautiful first pass with the outside of his boot. Chirinos' eyes lit up as he crashed a beautiful volley past Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas in this Concacaf Nations League play-off, which the hosts eventually won 3-1.
Did you know?
Chirinos' incredible goal was his first for the Honduras senior national team.
Federico Dimarco
Inter Milan vs Frosinone | November 12, 2023
The danger seemed minimal in this Serie A match when Dimarco delivered a pass wide on the left flank, just inside the opponent's half. However, the Italian saw Frosinone stopper Stefano Turati off his line and let fly with a spectacular lob that dived under the crossbar and left the keeper caught in thin air.
Did you know?
Dimarco went through Inter's youth academy, but left for Swiss side Sion at the age of 19. Just a year later he returned to his boyhood club and has since become a first-team regular.
Alejandro Garnacho
Everton vs Manchester United | November 26, 2023
Garnacho gasped at Everton's Goodison Park stadium as he opened the scoring for Manchester United in stunning fashion in this Premier League match. Diogo Dalot's high cross was slightly behind the Argentine, but he launched himself into the air and sent a stunning overhead kick into Jordan Pickford's goal.
Did you know?
This match was the fourth in a run of 38 consecutive United matches that Garnacho started in the 2023/24 season.
Mohammed Kudus
West Ham United vs Freiburg | March 14, 2024
Kudus showed his electric qualities and scored a remarkable solo goal in this Europa League match. The Ghanaian international's control, poise and skill were all on display as he dribbled from deep into his own half, leaving several Freiburg players in his wake. He then had the composure to slide in a clinical low finish.
Did you know?
After scoring twice in Ghana's 3-2 win over South Korea in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, a giant Kudus mural was painted in his hometown of Nima.
Dennis Omedi
KCCA v Kitara | August 6, 2024
Omedi provided the highlight of this 3-3 thriller in the Ugandan Super 8 tournament. The Kitara forward took aim with an unlikely rabona from the edge of the penalty area, generating remarkable power to find the top corner of the net.
Did you know?
Omedi hopes to become the second player to win the FIFA Puskás Award with a rabona kick. Erik Lamela did that in 2021, with his goal for Tottenham Hotspur in their derby against Arsenal.
Paul Onuachu
Trabzonspor vs Konyaspor | November 10, 2023
Trabzonspor striker Onuachu settled this Turkish Super Lig match with an astonishing winner in the 85th minute. Enis Destan whipped in a cross from the left and Onuachu somehow maneuvered his body to score with a flying back heel. The Nigerian's cartwheel celebration was further proof of his extraordinary athleticism.
Did you know?
In 2019, Onuachu scored the fastest goal in the history of the Nigerian national team. In his first start for the Super Eagles, he scored within 10 seconds against Egypt.
Jaden Philogene
Rotherham United v Hull City | February 13, 2024
The second shortlisted rabona was scored by Hull striker Philogene in the English Championship. He demonstrated his skill, balance and quick feet to turn Rotherham midfielder Oliver Rathbone inside out before his audacious effort went beyond the goalkeeper's reach.
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