The Puskas Award for the best men’s goal of the year was won by Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho for his sensational bicycle kick in their 3-0 win at Everton in November 2023.
Mohammed Kudus’ fine solo goal for West Ham in the Europa League against Freiburg was also nominated.
Until this season the award covered all football but a new Marta Award now covers the women’s game.
“I’m very proud to win this award,” said Argentine Garnacho in a pre-recorded interview.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family. It was a special goal and I will always remember it.”
The Man United forward’s acrobatic effort, which left fans and pundits in awe, has etched his name into football history.
A Premier League video statement and announcement revealed this on Tuesday night.
The Man United winger’s breathtaking bicycle kick against Everton in November 2023 has now earned global recognition, solidifying its place in football history.
A club statement obtained from its website also disclosed this.
The announcement was made by football legend Alessandro Del Piero at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar.
Garnacho’s stunning strike, which had already claimed Manchester United’s Goal of the Season and the Premier League’s Goal of the Season for 2023/24, has now been deemed the very best in the world during the August 2023 to August 2024 qualifying period.
Reflecting on the incredible goal, Manchester United praised Garnacho’s moment of magic:
“Our no.17’s goal was simply stunning, as he somehow contorted his body to connect with Diogo Dalot’s cross in the early stages of our meeting with the Merseysiders.
The timing couldn’t have been any more perfect, leaving Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford helpless and all those in attendance – and watching on screens further afield – open-mouthed at the sheer brilliance of what they’d just witnessed.”
Garnacho’s achievement carries historic weight for the club. He becomes only the second Manchester United player to win the prestigious Puskás Award, following in the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
United’s former iconic no.7 was the first-ever recipient of the award in 2009 for his long-range strike against Porto in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Manchester United celebrated the milestone, emphasizing the caliber of past winners:
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Mohamed Salah, and Son Heung-min are among the iconic names to have followed in Ronaldo’s footsteps in the intervening years, although there have been some less-heralded winners, given the award’s nature, as it encompasses all levels of senior football.”
The voting process for the award was a combination of fan participation and deliberation by a panel of FIFA legends. Garnacho’s strike ultimately rose above 10 other nominated goals to claim the accolade, a testament to its technical brilliance and the moment’s significance.
The club concluded their statement with a message of pride and gratitude:
“Well done to our no.17 and thanks to all those who supported him. It’s a goal that we’ll cherish for years to come.”
For Garnacho, this recognition is not just a personal triumph but a moment of inspiration for Manchester United fans worldwide, celebrating what will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable goals in recent football history.
