Puskas Award 2025: Yamal and Rice Lead Stellar Nominee List

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal and Arsenal star Declan Rice headline the shortlist for the prestigious FIFA 2025 Puskas Award, as the football world prepares to recognize this year’s most spectacular goals. With the official nominees revealed, excitement is building for a contest stacked with individual brilliance and global talent.

Puskas Award 2025: Star Performances Steal the Show

The Puskas Award 2025 is set to honour the most breathtaking goal scored between 11 August 2024 and 2 August 2025, and this year’s contenders include a diverse array of football’s brightest talents. Notably, Lamine Yamal’s unforgettable strike against Espanyol and Declan Rice’s thunderous free kick versus Real Madrid have captured global attention.

Lamine Yamal’s Magic Moment

At just 17, Lamine Yamal has become one of football’s most exciting prospects. His nomination comes courtesy of a sublime left-footed curler, delivered at a crucial moment in a high-stakes Catalan derby. Cutting inside from the right, Yamal displayed maturity beyond his years, opening his body and unleashing a shot that curled majestically into the far top corner. This goal not only showcased his technical brilliance but also played a decisive role in Barcelona’s league campaign.

Declan Rice’s Champions League Thunderbolt

Arsenal’s Declan Rice earned his place among the finalists with one of the Champions League’s most memorable free kicks. In the quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, Rice produced an audacious strike from a seemingly impossible angle, bending the ball over the wall and into the top corner. His goal helped secure a famous 3–0 first-leg victory for Arsenal, and he described the moment as “magic,” emphasizing the confidence he felt after netting his first free kick earlier in the match.

Full List of FIFA Puskas Award 2025 Nominees

Fans can look forward to an impressive selection of goals, with 11 men’s and 11 women’s nominees announced:

• Alerrandro | Vitoria vs. Cruzeiro | 19 August 2024
• Alessandro Deiola | Cagliari vs. Venezia | 18 May 2025
• Pedro de la Vega | Cruz Azul vs. Seattle Sounders | 31 July 2025
• Santiago Montiel | Independiente vs. Independiente Rivadavia | 11 May 2025
• Amr Nasser | Al Ahly vs. Pharco | 17 April 2025
• Carlos Orrantía | Querétaro vs. Atlas | 16 April 2025
• Lucas Ribeiro | Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Borussia Dortmund | 21 June 2025
• Declan Rice | Arsenal vs. Real Madrid | 8 April 2025
• Rizky Ridho | Persija Jakarta vs. Arema | 9 March 2025
• Kévin Rodrigues | Kasımpaşa vs. Rizespor | 9 February 2025
• Lamine Yamal | Espanyol vs. Barcelona | 15 May 2025

The women’s equivalent, the FIFA Marta Award, features standouts like Mariona Caldentey, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and the iconic Marta herself.

The Legacy of the Puskas Award

Launched in 2009 and named after Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas, the Puskas Award has become a hallmark of footballing excellence. It encapsulates moments of magic that resonate across generations. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s 40-yard thunderbolt for Manchester United to Neymar’s incredible solo run as a teenager and Mohamed Salah’s elegant curler in the Merseyside derby, the award celebrates goals that transcend the ordinary.

How the Puskas Winner Is Chosen

Voting for the FIFA 2025 Puskas Award is now open on FIFA.com. The selection process combines fan votes with input from a panel of FIFA Legends, each accounting for 50% of the final result. The winners will be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025, ensuring that both supporters and experts have a say in crowning the world’s most spectacular goal.

What Sets Yamal and Rice Apart?

Lamine Yamal’s goal radiated natural talent and composure, signaling a bright future for the Barcelona youngster. His ability to deliver under pressure in a title-deciding match earned widespread praise. Declan Rice, on the other hand, demonstrated both technical prowess and nerve, executing a free kick that stunned even the most seasoned Champions League viewers. Both players have made indelible marks on the season, and their nominations reflect the evolving standards of world-class football.

Opinion: The Puskas Award’s Power to Inspire

The Puskas Award 2025 nominees represent the best of the sport’s creativity and ambition. Yamal’s and Rice’s wonder goals remind fans why football is the beautiful game, offering unforgettable moments of skill and daring. Regardless of who ultimately lifts the trophy, these goals will inspire young players worldwide to dream big and play with imagination. For more news and updates from the world of football, visit for more news.