Every Nominee Goal for the 2025 Puskas and Marta Awards
The FIFA Puskas and Marta Awards: Celebrating Extraordinary Goals in Football
Every year, the spotlight shines brightly on the most breathtaking moments in football, particularly through the prestigious FIFA Puskas and Marta Awards. These awards, given to the best goals scored in men’s and women’s football respectively, celebrate not just the artistry of scoring, but the spirit and passion of the beautiful game. As we approach the 2025 edition, set for December 16, it’s time to dive deeper into what makes these awards so special, the inaugural Marta Award, and some nominees who have left fans in awe this season.
The Evolution of the Puskas Award
Initially established in 2009, the Puskas Award honors the year’s most beautiful goal across football, irrespective of gender or league, provided it is captured on camera. Named after the legendary Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskas, this award has evolved into a symbol of excellence. The selection process includes nominations drawn from various competitions worldwide, encompassing both local leagues and international tournaments. As a testament to its global appeal, the most mesmerising strikes in football ascend to the limelight, igniting conversations about creativity, technique, and sheer brilliance.
In its inaugural year, the award embraced a broad mindset, emphasizing that beauty in football transcends borders and leagues. Over the years, players from diverse backgrounds and regions have graced the awards, with five of the last eight Puskas winners hailing from the English Premier League. However, the versatility of talent shines through as winners also come from leagues as varied as the Brazilian second tier and Polish Amputee football.
Introducing the Marta Award: A New Era for Women’s Football
In 2024, FIFA took a monumental step forward by launching the inaugural Marta Award, which specifically recognizes extraordinary goals in women’s football. Named after Brazilian superstar Marta, often hailed as the greatest female player of all time, this award spotlights the stunning performances in a rapidly evolving sport that has gained unprecedented visibility.
Marta had the honor of winning the first edition of this award, a fitting tribute to her impactful career and contribution to women’s football. As a symbol of excellence, her presence in this year’s nominations further underscores her enduring talent and influence. With every passing year, the women’s game continues to grow, and the Marta Award exemplifies FIFA’s commitment to promoting and celebrating this growth.
The Nominees: A Showcase of Dazzling Talent
As the countdown to the 2025 awards begins, both the Puskas and Marta Award shortlists highlight exceptional talents ready to mesmerize fans worldwide. In the men’s category, younger players like Lamine Yamal and seasoned stars like Declan Rice stand out. Yamal, with his impressive goal against Espanyol, demonstrates the youthful exuberance and skill seen in the current generation of footballers. Meanwhile, Rice’s stunning free kick against Real Madrid solidifies his status as a key player on the international stage, demonstrating the level of finesse and precision necessary to compete for such a prestigious award.
On the women’s side, talents like Vivianne Miedema, Mariona Caldentey, and, of course, Marta herself, are poised for recognition. Miedema’s 100th international goal against Wales illustrates her deft technique and poise, a hallmark of a player who can rise to the occasion. Caldentey’s long-range strike in the Women’s Champions League semifinals further exemplifies the caliber of skill in women’s football, pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable moments that resonate with fans.
The Selection Process: Fans and Experts Unite
What makes the selection for these awards particularly unique is the blend of expertise and public opinion. Given the array of nominations, FIFA employs a balanced approach where fan votes account for half the decision alongside those cast by an in-house panel of experts. This dual-layered approach not only amplifies fan engagement but ensures that the awards reflect a wide spectrum of taste and appreciation within the football community.
The excitement culminates on December 16 during The Best FIFA Football Awards as fans worldwide await the announcement of winners. Each nominee embodies the spirit of football, serving as a reminder of why the sport captivates millions — celebrating skill, creativity, and unforgettable moments that etch themselves into the annals of history.
Together, the Puskas and Marta Awards not only honor the individual brilliance of players but also mark the evolution of football itself, acknowledging both the journeys and accomplishments that define this dynamic sport. As we eagerly anticipate this year’s contenders, it’s evident that beauty in football is as powerful and profound as the sport itself.
