Football fans around the world revel in moments of sheer magic on the pitch, and the Puskás Award exists to honour such spectacular feats. Each year, the award recognises the best goal scored by a male player, while since last year, the Marta Award has celebrated women’s footballers producing equally stunning strikes.
After a year in which Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho impressed with an unforgettable bicycle kick, the spotlight has now returned to Argentina. Independiente winger Santiago Montiel has been named the winner of the 2025 Puskás Award, thanks to a goal that will be replayed for years to come.
Montiel’s decisive moment occurred during a tense league fixture against Riveradvía. As the second half began, a corner was cleared by the opposition, leaving Montiel outside the penalty box with a perfect opportunity. Without needing to turn, he unleashed a perfectly timed overhead kick, leaving the goalkeeper no chance and sealing a 1–0 triumph for Independiente.
Other nominees included some of football’s brightest young talents, such as Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Arsenal’s Declan Rice. Yamal’s left-footed curling shot against Spain and Rice’s free-kick against Real Madrid in the Champions League generated significant buzz, but Montiel’s audacious strike ultimately proved irresistible to voters.
In the women’s game, Lizbeth Ovalle of Mexico took home the Marta Award for her remarkable goal in March against Guadalajara, scoring with an equally spectacular overhead kick for Tigres. Ovalle’s achievement underscores the ever-increasing quality and excitement of women’s football, placing her among the sport’s elite goal scorers.
Montiel’s victory is more than just an individual accolade; it is a testament to Argentine football’s flair and creativity. The 25-year-old winger’s bicycle kick will be remembered not just for its technical perfection but for the drama and excitement it brought to the game, reinforcing the magic that keeps fans captivated.