All-Time Puskás Award Winners: Football's Best Goals

Hey football fans! Ever wonder who's scored those absolutely insane goals that make you jump off your couch? We're talking about the ones that defy physics, leave defenders in the dust, and make commentators lose their minds. Well, guys, that's exactly what the FIFA Puskás Award is all about! It celebrates the most beautiful, spectacular, and downright unbelievable goals scored in the world of football each year. Think bicycle kicks, long-range screamers, mazy solo runs, and team goals that are pure poetry in motion. It’s the award that truly honors individual brilliance and the sheer artistry that can be found on the pitch. So, buckle up as we dive deep into the history of the Puskás Award, celebrating all the winners who have etched their names in footballing folklore with their legendary strikes. We'll be looking back at each year, highlighting the goal, the player, and why it deserved the prestigious honor. It's a journey through some of the most memorable moments in recent football history, and trust me, you won't want to miss it!

The Inaugural Year and Early Strikers

Let's kick things off, shall we? The FIFA Puskás Award was first introduced in 2009, and ever since, it's been a highlight of The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony. The very first winner? None other than Cristiano Ronaldo! Yep, the legend himself kicked off this prestigious award with an absolute thunderbolt. Back in 2009, playing for Manchester United against Porto in the Champions League, Ronaldo unleashed a 50-yard rocket that left the goalkeeper with absolutely no chance. It was a display of raw power and incredible technique, setting a high bar for future winners right from the get-go. This goal wasn't just a powerful shot; it was a testament to his incredible vision and audacity, seeing an opening from such an immense distance and executing it flawlessly. The ball seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before nestling into the back of the net, a moment of pure magic that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Puskás Award. This early win established Ronaldo's reputation not just as a prolific scorer but as a player capable of producing moments of individual genius that transcend the ordinary. It showed the world that the Puskás Award was here to stay and would celebrate the truly exceptional.

2009: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Porto

As mentioned, Cristiano Ronaldo took home the inaugural award in 2009 for his astonishing strike against Porto. This goal wasn't just powerful; it was a strategic masterclass from distance. Spotting the goalkeeper slightly off his line, Ronaldo decided to test his luck from an improbable range. The execution was flawless – a clean strike that dipped wickedly, leaving everyone, including the goalkeeper, stunned. It was a goal that showcased his incredible ball-striking ability and his willingness to take risks, qualities that have defined his illustrious career. This goal immediately put the Puskás Award on the map, demonstrating the caliber of moments it intended to recognize. It was a fitting start, celebrating one of the game's biggest stars for a moment of individual brilliance that will be remembered for ages.

2010: Hamit Altıntop vs. Kazakhstan

Moving on to 2010, the award went to Hamit Altıntop of Turkey for a goal that was pure artistry. Playing against Kazakhstan in a Euro 2012 qualifier, Altıntop scored a stunning volley from outside the box. What made it so special? It was a perfectly timed, acrobatic strike that flew into the top corner with incredible precision. This goal wasn't just about power; it was about technique, timing, and the sheer audacity to attempt such a difficult shot. The ball looped gracefully into the net, a true masterpiece of aerial technique. It was a goal that deservedly earned him the recognition, showcasing a moment of individual brilliance on the international stage that captivated fans worldwide. Altıntop's strike was a blend of athleticism and skill, a goal that many players would dream of scoring but few could execute. It highlighted the diverse range of spectacular goals the award sought to honor, proving it wasn't just about long-range blasts but also about creative and technically brilliant finishes.

2011: Neymar vs. Flamengo

In 2011, the award recognized a young sensation: Neymar. Even back then, he was showing flashes of the genius that would make him a global superstar. His goal for Santos against Flamengo was a mesmerizing solo effort. He weaved through multiple defenders, showcasing his incredible dribbling skills and composure, before slotting the ball home. This goal was a perfect example of individual skill and flair, a dazzling display of footwork that left opponents bamboozled. It was a goal that embodied the excitement and unpredictability of Brazilian football, a reminder of the magic that can happen when a player is given the freedom to express themselves. Neymar's ability to navigate tight spaces and evade challenges with such ease was breathtaking, and the finish was cool and clinical. This goal cemented his status as one of the most exciting talents in world football and showed the Puskás Award's commitment to celebrating flair and individual brilliance.

The Middle Years: More Spectacular Strikes

As the Puskás Award continued, the competition got fiercer, and the goals kept getting more outrageous. We saw incredible strikes from all corners of the globe, proving that beautiful football isn't confined to any one league or continent. The award consistently highlighted players who dared to be different, who attempted the impossible and succeeded. It became a platform to showcase the universal language of football – the sheer joy and wonder of a perfectly executed goal. These middle years really solidified the award's legacy, turning it into a must-watch event for anyone who appreciates the finer, more spectacular aspects of the beautiful game. It was a period where players truly pushed the boundaries of what was considered a spectacular goal, making the voting process incredibly tough for the judges and fans alike.

2012: Miroslav Stoch vs. Genk

2012 saw Miroslav Stoch claim the Puskás Award for a goal that was a sensational long-range volley for Fenerbahçe against Genk. From what felt like miles out, Stoch connected with a ball that had been half-cleared, striking it with ferocious power and accuracy. The ball rocketed into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. It was a goal of pure power, technique, and confidence, a true testament to his striking ability. This strike wasn't just a goal; it was an explosion of skill and ambition from distance, a reminder of the exhilarating moments that can come from a single, well-struck shot. Stoch's ability to generate such pace and curl from that distance was remarkable, making it a truly unforgettable moment and a worthy winner of the award.

2013: Zlatan Ibrahimović vs. England

2013 was a memorable year, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, with his unique brand of magic, took the prize for an unbelievable bicycle kick against England. In a friendly match, Ibrahimović scored a goal that will forever be etched in football history. From a long pass, he adjusted his body in mid-air and produced a physics-defying overhead kick from about 30 yards out. It was audacious, technically brilliant, and utterly spectacular – a true Zlatan moment. This goal wasn't just a strike; it was a statement of intent, a demonstration of his unparalleled athleticism and creativity. The sheer audacity and impossible execution of this goal made it an instant classic, perfectly embodying the Puskás Award's quest for the extraordinary.

2014: James Rodríguez vs. Uruguay

2014 belonged to James Rodríguez and Colombia. During the FIFA World Cup, James scored a stunning volley against Uruguay that left the world in awe. Receiving a lofted pass, he controlled the ball brilliantly on his chest before swiveling and firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner from the edge of the box. It was a goal of exquisite technique, power, and precision, a moment of pure genius on the biggest stage. This goal wasn't just a beautiful strike; it was a defining moment of the tournament, showcasing James's arrival as a global superstar. The way he took the ball down and struck it on the turn was breathtakingly fluid, a perfect marriage of athleticism and skill that warranted the award.

Recent Winners and Continued Excellence

The Puskás Award has continued to shine a spotlight on incredible goals in recent years, showcasing talent from various leagues and nations. Each winner brought something unique to the table, from stunning team moves to moments of individual brilliance that left fans spellbound. The award has consistently highlighted the creativity and skill present in the modern game, reminding us that spectacular goals are still being scored regularly. It's a celebration of the beauty of football, a testament to the fact that the game can still produce moments of sheer magic that leave us breathless. The voting process often becomes a massive talking point each year, with fans debating passionately about which goal deserves the ultimate recognition. This ongoing passion underscores the award's success in capturing the imagination of the footballing world and celebrating the artistry of the beautiful game in its purest form. It's clear that the Puskás Award has firmly established itself as a cherished part of football's annual accolades.

2015: Wendell Lira vs. Goianésia

In 2015, the Puskás Award went to Wendell Lira for a goal scored in the Goiano Championship in Brazil. His strike was a spectacular bicycle kick that showcased incredible athleticism and technique. Receiving a cross, Lira adjusted his body in mid-air to execute a perfect overhead kick that found the back of the net. It was a goal of pure flair and acrobatics, a moment that brought Brazilian flair to the international stage. This goal was a vibrant display of skill, proving that sensational goals can come from anywhere, regardless of the league's profile. It was a testament to the beauty and unpredictability of the sport.

2016: Mohd Faiz Subri vs. Pahang

2016 saw Mohd Faiz Subri from Malaysia win the award for a goal that defied physics. Playing for Penang against Pahang, Subri scored from a free-kick that seemed to curl impossibly around the wall and into the net. The ball appeared to have a life of its own, bending at an extraordinary angle, leaving the goalkeeper completely stranded. It was a strike that had everyone scratching their heads in disbelief and admiration, a true display of masterful technique and perhaps a little bit of magic. This goal was a global phenomenon, a testament to the fact that incredible talent and spectacular moments can emerge from any corner of the footballing world, making it a truly deserved winner.

2017: Olivier Giroud vs. Crystal Palace

2017 was marked by Olivier Giroud's incredible scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace. In a moment that will forever be remembered, Giroud flicked the ball over his head with his heel from a cross that had initially looked like a missed opportunity. The ball looped into the net off the crossbar, a goal of audacious skill and timing. It was a flash of brilliance that stunned the stadium and earned him the Puskás Award, showcasing a moment of extraordinary improvisation and technique.

2018: Mohamed Salah vs. Everton

Mohamed Salah took the 2018 award for his brilliant solo effort for Liverpool against Everton. He cut inside from the right flank, skipped past a couple of defenders, and curled a fantastic shot into the far corner of the net. It was a goal that combined dribbling skill, power, and precision, a classic Salah strike that showcased his individual brilliance. This goal was a signature moment from one of the Premier League's most electrifying forwards, demonstrating his ability to create something out of nothing.

2019: Daniel Zóri vs. Debrecen

In 2019, Daniel Zóri, a young Hungarian talent, won for his stunning volley for Debrecen U19 against Ferencváros U19. Receiving a cross from the left wing, Zóri unleashed a powerful, dipping volley from just inside the box that rocketed into the top corner. It was a goal of incredible technique and power, a sign of a bright future for the young player.

The Most Recent Champions and Future Stars

The Puskás Award continues to inspire and amaze, celebrating the beautiful game's most spectacular moments. Each year, we eagerly anticipate the nominees and the eventual winner, knowing that we're in for a treat. The award serves as a fantastic reminder of the sheer talent and creativity that exists within football globally. It encourages players to push their boundaries, to attempt the extraordinary, and to leave their mark on the sport with moments of unforgettable brilliance. As we look ahead, one thing is for sure: the Puskás Award will continue to showcase the very best of football's artistry, highlighting the players who dare to dream and score the impossible. It’s a celebration of the passion, the skill, and the sheer joy that makes football the world's most beloved sport, and we can't wait to see what incredible goals the future holds. The continuous emergence of new talents and the consistent delivery of awe-inspiring goals ensure that the Puskás Award will remain a highlight for years to come, inspiring a new generation of footballers to aim for the spectacular.

2020: Son Heung-min vs. Burnley

2020 saw Son Heung-min win for his sensational solo goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley. Starting deep inside his own half, Son embarked on a blistering run, weaving past multiple defenders with incredible speed and close control before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper. It was a goal that combined individual brilliance, blistering pace, and composed finishing, a true testament to his all-around attacking prowess.

2021: Patrik Schick vs. Scotland

Patrik Schick claimed the 2021 award for his incredible long-range strike for the Czech Republic against Scotland at the Euros. From well inside his own half, Schick spotted the Scottish goalkeeper off his line and unleashed a perfectly judged lob that sailed into the back of the net. It was a goal of audacious vision, technique, and precision, a moment of individual brilliance on the international stage.

2022: Marcin Oleksy vs. Stal Rzeszów

In a truly inspiring moment in 2022, the award went to Marcin Oleksy, a Polish amputee footballer. His goal, a spectacular overhead kick, was scored in the Polish national amputee football league. This win was hugely significant, highlighting the incredible talent and passion present in disability football and demonstrating that spectacular goals know no bounds. It was a powerful message about inclusivity and the universal appeal of the beautiful game.

2023: Guillermo Maripán vs. Uruguay

And most recently, in 2023, Guillermo Maripán won for his powerful header for Chile against Uruguay. Scoring from a corner with immense power and accuracy, Maripán's goal was a display of aerial dominance and clinical finishing. It was a crucial goal that showcased his importance to the Chilean national team and a fitting end to a year of incredible strikes.

There you have it, guys! A rundown of all the incredible players who have lifted the Puskás Award. Each goal is a masterpiece, a testament to the skill, creativity, and sheer passion that makes football the greatest sport on Earth. Who knows what spectacular strikes we'll see in the years to come? Keep watching, keep cheering, and keep celebrating these moments of magic!