[VIDEO] Santiago Montiel Wins 2025 FIFA Puskás Award

Independiente winger’s long-range overhead strike beats global stars to claim football’s most iconic goal prize.

Argentine footballer Santiago Montiel has been crowned the winner of the 2025 FIFA Puskás Award, thanks to a breathtaking long-range bicycle kick that instantly became one of the most talked-about goals of the year.

The 25-year-old Independiente winger received the honour at FIFA’s The Best ceremony in Doha, Qatar, an event that celebrates football excellence across the globe. The Puskás Award recognises the most beautiful goal of the season, as voted by fans and a panel of football experts.

Montiel’s unforgettable strike came on May 11, 2025, during an Argentine Primera División clash against Independiente Rivadavia at the Estadio Libertadores de América. With the match locked at 0–0, a partially cleared corner dropped just outside the penalty area. Without hesitation, Montiel launched himself into an audacious overhead kick from more than 20 yards out, firing the ball into the top corner.

The goal proved decisive, sealing a 1–0 victory and instantly going viral across social media platforms. Fans and analysts alike hailed it as a “goal for the ages,” with many drawing comparisons to some of the most iconic strikes in football history.

Montiel edged out strong competition for the award, including Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, and Persija Jakarta defender Rizky Ridho, underlining the global impact of his moment of brilliance.

His win continues Argentina’s recent dominance in the category, marking the second consecutive Puskás Award for the country following Alejandro Garnacho’s triumph in 2024.

Named after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, the award has been presented annually since 2009 and celebrates creativity, flair and technical excellence in goal-scoring. Previous winners include football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Mohamed Salah.