Santiago Montiel has firmly cemented his place in football history after claiming the 2025 FIFA Puskás Award for an extraordinary long-range bicycle kick scored earlier this year while playing for Independiente.
The 25-year-old Argentine was honoured at FIFA’s The Best awards ceremony, held on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. The prestigious Puskás Award celebrates the most stunning goal of the season, determined by a combination of fan votes and input from a panel of experts. Montiel’s remarkable strike captured the imagination of fans worldwide and emerged victorious amid a field of elite competitors.
The goal, scored on May 11, 2025, occurred during a tense Argentine Primera División encounter against Independiente Rivadavia at the Estadio Libertadores de América. With the score locked at 0-0, a partially cleared corner fell invitingly just outside the penalty area. Demonstrating split-second awareness and incredible athleticism, Montiel launched himself into a perfectly timed bicycle kick from more than 20 yards out. The ball soared into the top corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper motionless and the home supporters in sheer astonishment. Montiel’s audacious finish ultimately decided the match, securing a 1-0 victory for Independiente.
The strike has since been hailed as a “goal for the ages,” earning praise from fans, pundits, and former players alike, with many drawing comparisons to some of football’s most iconic goals. Montiel triumphed over stiff competition to claim the award, edging out nominees such as Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, and Persija Jakarta defender Rizky Ridho.
In the women’s category, Mexican forward Lizbeth Ovalle also earned accolades after her spectacular scorpion kick was named the best goal of the year, underscoring her flair and technical mastery.
Montiel’s win continues Argentina’s recent success with the Puskás Award, marking the nation’s second consecutive triumph following Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho’s victory in 2024. The award, named after Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás, has been presented annually since 2009 to celebrate exceptional skill, creativity, and ingenuity in front of goal, regardless of league or level. Past recipients include some of football’s brightest stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Mohamed Salah.
Montiel’s breathtaking goal will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, a shining example of the artistry and excitement that make football a global phenomenon.
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