FIFA Puskas Award 2023: Winner Announced!

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 42 views

The FIFA Puskas Award celebrates the most aesthetically significant goal of the year, a goal that is both beautiful and important. It's the kind of goal that makes you jump out of your seat, rewind the replay a dozen times, and talk about it for days. The award, named in honour of the legendary Ferenc Puskás, recognizes the player, male or female, deemed to have scored the most beautiful goal of the calendar year. Every year, football fans around the globe eagerly await the announcement, sparking debates, discussions, and a healthy dose of football fanaticism. The 2023 edition was no different, filled with anticipation and excitement as fans and pundits alike speculated on which goal would take home the coveted prize.

The Nominees

The nominees for the 2023 FIFA Puskas Award showcased a diverse range of goals from leagues and competitions around the world. The selection criteria are stringent, focusing on goals that are not only visually stunning but also free from errors, flukes, or own goals. This year's shortlist featured goals that spanned from bicycle kicks and long-range screamers to intricate team plays and audacious individual efforts. Each goal was a testament to the skill, creativity, and athleticism of the players involved, representing the best of what football has to offer. Let's dive into some notable nominees:

Guilherme Madruga: Madruga's audacious overhead kick from outside the box was a goal that defied belief. The Brazilian midfielder displayed incredible technique and audacity to even attempt such a shot, let alone execute it perfectly. The ball soared through the air, leaving the goalkeeper helpless as it nestled into the back of the net.
Nuno Santos: Santos's rabona goal was a work of art. The Portuguese winger showed incredible skill and flair to wrap his leg around the back of his other leg and strike the ball with pinpoint accuracy. The ball swerved and dipped, leaving the defenders dumbfounded and the goalkeeper with no chance.
Julio Enciso: Enciso's long-range curler was a goal of pure beauty. The Paraguayan midfielder unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box, sending the ball soaring into the top corner of the net. The power and precision of the shot were simply breathtaking, a goal that would grace any highlight reel.

These were just a few examples of the incredible goals that were nominated for the 2023 FIFA Puskas Award. Each nominee had their own unique story and style, showcasing the global appeal and diversity of football.

And the Winner Is...

The moment we've all been waiting for! Drumroll, please! The winner of the 2023 FIFA Puskas Award is Guilherme Madruga! His unbelievable overhead kick not only captured the hearts of fans worldwide but also impressed the jury with its audacity, technique, and sheer brilliance. It was a goal that will be remembered for years to come, a true testament to the beauty and excitement of football. Madruga's reaction was one of pure joy and disbelief, a moment that will undoubtedly be etched in his memory forever. He expressed his gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family for their support, acknowledging that the award was a team effort.

Why Madruga's Goal Stood Out

So, what made Madruga's goal stand out from the rest of the incredible nominees? It wasn't just the technical difficulty of the overhead kick; it was the context, the distance from the goal, and the sheer unexpectedness of the attempt. It was a goal that had everything: skill, audacity, and a touch of magic. It was a goal that made you believe anything is possible on the football pitch. Many other goals were fantastic, but Madruga's had that certain 'wow' factor that separated it from the pack. It perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Puskas Award, celebrating the beauty and artistry of the game.

The Significance of the Puskas Award

The Puskas Award is more than just a trophy; it represents the artistry, creativity, and passion that define the beautiful game. It celebrates the moments that make us fall in love with football all over again. Winning the award is a huge honor for any player, a recognition of their exceptional talent and a place in football history. It's a moment of pride not only for the player but also for their team, their country, and their fans. The award also serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers around the world, showing them that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of imagination, anything is possible.

How the Winner Is Chosen

The selection process for the Puskas Award is a multi-stage process designed to ensure fairness and transparency. First, a panel of experts compiles a shortlist of the most aesthetically pleasing goals from around the world. This shortlist is then put to a public vote, allowing fans from all corners of the globe to have their say. The votes from the public are combined with the votes from a panel of football legends, who then select the final winner. This combination of public and expert opinion ensures that the award truly reflects the most popular and deserving goal of the year.

Other Memorable Puskas Award Winners

Over the years, the Puskas Award has been won by some of the greatest players in the world, each with their own unique and unforgettable goal. Here's a glimpse at some past winners:

Cristiano Ronaldo (2009): Ronaldo's long-range screamer for Manchester United against Porto was a goal of pure power and precision. The ball rocketed into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Neymar (2011): Neymar's solo effort for Santos against Flamengo was a display of incredible skill and trickery. He weaved his way through the defense before slotting the ball home.
Zlatan Ibrahimović (2013): Ibrahimović's overhead kick from 30 yards out for Sweden against England was a goal that defied belief. It was a moment of pure genius from one of the game's greatest showmen.
Mohammad Faiz Subri (2016): Subri's physics-defying free-kick was a goal that had to be seen to be believed. The ball swerved and dipped in mid-air, leaving the goalkeeper completely bamboozled.

These are just a few examples of the many incredible goals that have won the Puskas Award over the years. Each goal is a testament to the beauty and artistry of football, and a reminder of why we all love the game so much.

Conclusion

The 2023 FIFA Puskas Award was a celebration of the beautiful game, showcasing the incredible skill, creativity, and passion of footballers from around the world. Guilherme Madruga's stunning overhead kick was a deserving winner, a goal that will be remembered for years to come. The Puskas Award is more than just a trophy; it represents the spirit of football, the moments that make us jump out of our seats and cheer, and the reasons why we all love the game so much. As we look forward to next year's edition, we can only imagine what incredible goals await us. One thing is for sure: the Puskas Award will continue to celebrate the best of the best, inspiring footballers and fans alike for generations to come. So, keep watching, keep cheering, and keep celebrating the beautiful game!