The 2025 Puskás Award power rankings: 15 unforgettable goals that lit up the year
The Puskás Award is all about celebrating football’s purest thrill — the goal. From overhead kicks to long-range screamers, the 2025 shortlist features a spectacular mix of technique, audacity, and artistry. We've ranked the top 15 contenders, starting from number 15 and counting down to the most jaw-dropping strike of the year.
15. Omar Marmoush – thunderbolt in Manchester
The Egyptian forward stunned fans with a long-range blast that rocketed in off the post. After picking up the ball in midfield, Marmoush’s quick burst and vicious strike showcased just how lethal his shooting ability can be.
14. Declan Rice – a Champions League stunner
Rice delivered a free-kick masterclass in Arsenal’s 3-0 demolition of Real Madrid. His second strike, a curling effort into the top corner past Courtois, added a layer of magic to an already iconic night.
13. Luka Modric – a parting gift in Madrid
In his final Real Madrid season, Modric smashed home a half-volley with pinpoint technique. The goal against Girona summed up the Croatian maestro’s class and impeccable timing.
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12. Lyndon Dykes – FA Cup magic
Dykes brought the third round of the FA Cup to life with a piece of individual brilliance. He chested down a long ball, flicked it over a defender, and lofted a volley into the net — pure instinct and flair.
11. Harry Wilson – backheel brilliance
Wilson stunned Brentford with a delicious backheel volley in the 92nd minute to level the game. He wasn’t done — the Welshman scored again moments later to win it for Fulham in dramatic fashion.
10. Ovella Ochieng – from another postcode
Playing in the Kenyan Premier League, Ochieng produced a jaw-dropping free-kick from inside his own half. It flew like a missile into the net — a goal that defied distance and belief.
9. Josh Windass – halfway line heroics
Windass channeled Beckham and Rooney with a goal from beyond the center circle. Spotting the keeper off his line, he unleashed a sensational strike that helped Sheffield Wednesday past Derby.
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8. Toral Bayramov – lightning from the Europa League
Bayramov capitalized on a loose goalkeeper pass with expert control and a vicious volley. It was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it strike that left Bodo/Glimt stunned.
7. Angel Di Maria – bicycle kick nostalgia
Returning to Benfica, Di Maria reminded fans of his brilliance with a vintage overhead kick. His acrobatic goal added flair to a 7-0 rout and proved class really is permanent.
6. Elicley Soares – last-minute wonder
With the clock ticking down, Soares produced a remarkable overhead kick to seal a 95th-minute win. His tight control under pressure and the looping finish made it all the more special.
5. Alerrandro – patience and precision
As the ball dropped from a high clearance, Alerrandro waited and executed a perfect overhead kick from the edge of the box. A strike that combined balance, timing, and beauty.
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4. Micky van de Ven – solo run stunner
From deep in his own half, the Dutch defender powered forward past Copenhagen’s lines. His blistering pace and cool finish underlined his status as one of the game’s fastest defenders.
3. Erik Lamela – volley of the highest order
Lamela added to his personal highlight reel with a stunning first-time volley off a corner. It flew straight into the top corner — a goal that only few players in the world can execute.
2. Irakli Yegoian – acrobatics from distance
Yegoian’s bicycle kick from the edge of the box was a jaw-dropper, slamming in off the bar. While it came in a losing effort, the quality and execution of the goal were unquestionable.
1. Ezequiel Cerutti – long-range rocket
Cerutti’s thunderous 40-yard strike for San Lorenzo was as clean as they come. With space ahead, he lined up his shot and delivered an unstoppable blast into the top corner — a goal worthy of Puskás glory.
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