2024 Puskas Award Watch: Early Contenders for the Best Goal of the Year
The 2023 Puskas Award belonged to Guilherme Madruga’s phenomenal overhead kick, but football fans are already looking ahead to the 2024 contenders.
Planet Football is keeping a running list of the most outrageous goals (worthy of a 10/10 rating!) scored so far this season. Here are some of the frontrunners:
Dany Mota’s Scissor Kick (Serie A, March 15, 2024)
This outrageous scissor kick by Dany Mota for Genoa against Monza has fans reminiscing about the “tingles” of a classic mint. See the goal from various angles here:
We just can't get enough of Dany Mota's golazo! Here it is, from all angles, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 😍#GenoaMonza pic.twitter.com/hDzVAJJLrd
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) March 15, 2024
Jaden Philogene’s Controversial Goal (English Football League, February 13, 2024)
A deflected shot initially credited as an own goal was later awarded to Hull City’s Jaden Philogene. While the deflection adds a layer of controversy, Philogene’s overall execution makes it a contender. Watch the goal here:
Jaden, that is 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 🤯#hcafc | @McVities pic.twitter.com/tjo5RipQtG
— Hull City (@HullCity) February 13, 2024
Patrick Bamford’s Bergkamp-esque Volley (Emirates FA Cup, January 7, 2024)
This magical strike by Patrick Bamford during the FA Cup has fans comparing him to the legendary Dennis Bergkamp. A long ball finds Bamford, who controls, swivels, and unleashes a stunning volley. See the goal here:
SIMPLY. BREATHTAKING.
PATRICK BAMFORD. OH MY WORD. 🤯🤯🤯@LUFC #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/0xVnnDfXRv
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 7, 2024
Alasdair Adams: Backup Goalkeeper Scores Thunderous Goal (Scottish Championship, December 30, 2023)
This entry is truly unique. Arbroath’s backup goalkeeper, Alasdair Adams, was subbed in as an outfielder due to an injury and proceeded to score this incredible goal, salvaging a 2-2 draw. It seems unlikely he’ll be returning to goalkeeping duties after this! Watch the wonder strike here:
https://twitter.com/iain_latto/status/1741136521917259962?t=l5N5Ewc50ad0H-Oh5bc-pw&s=19
Alejandro Garnacho’s Overhead Kick Gets Gary Neville’s Nod (Premier League, November 26, 2023)
Manchester United’s young star Alejandro Garnacho has impressed with a spectacular overhead kick that even Gary Neville considers one of the best he’s ever seen. See the goal that has everyone raving here:
WHAT A GOAL ALEJANDRO GARNACHO!!!! 🤯🤯🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/L9h1inY5rT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 26, 2023
Dominik Szoboszlai Unleashes a Thunderous Long-Range Shot (September 27, 2023)
Forget long-range bangers, Dominik Szoboszlai redefines them with this incredibly powerful strike. The commentators are left speechless, and rightfully so! Check out the video here:
Had to be done. pic.twitter.com/H5BFr8X2XH
— Biggies Malls 2.0 (@Biggies_MaIIs) September 27, 2023
Sandro Wolfinger Puts Liechtenstein on the Puskas Award Map (September 8, 2023)
The Puskas Award spotlight often shines on lesser-known players, and FC Balzers’ Sandro Wolfinger fits the bill perfectly. His unreal volley for Lichtenstein during the EURO qualifiers is a serious contender. See the wonder strike here:
🇱🇮 Incredible hit from Sandro Wolfinger 🤤
Goal of the Round contender 🚨#EQGOTT || @AlipayPlus pic.twitter.com/1ZCiFuloex
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) September 8, 2023
Dries Mertens Scores a Beauty of a Volley Straight from a Corner (August 3, 2023)
Dries Mertens proves that volleys never go out of style with this stunning strike scored directly from a corner kick. Watch the magic unfold here:
Galatasaray – Zalgiris, Şampiyonlar Ligi 2. ön eleme rövanş maçında Galatasaray Mertens'in attığı gol ile 1-0 öne geçti! ⚽️#DSmart #DSmartGO pic.twitter.com/YDu4yh1Pn9
— D-Smart (@DSmartDunyasi) August 2, 2023
Geovany Quenda Channels His Inner Young Messi (August 3, 2023)
This audacious solo goal by 16-year-old Sporting academy product Geovany Quenda has a touch of young Lionel Messi magic. While he might not be quite ready for senior football yet, his name is definitely one to watch. See Quenda’s impressive display here:
Portugal U17 6-0 Morocco U17 – Geovany Quenda (great goal) 90'
byu/Gungerz insoccer
Luciano Gondou’s Goal Might Not Win the Award, But the Build-Up Does
The Puskas Award typically celebrates individual brilliance on the pitch. While Luciano Gondou’s goal itself might not be the top contender, it’s included for the spectacular build-up featuring a series of backheels.
Colon 0 – [1] Argentinos Juniors – Luciano Gondou 9' (GREAT GOAL)
byu/junior150396 insoccer
Mikael Severo’s Mind-Blowing Bicycle Kick Makes the Shortlist (September 20, 2023)
This entry features some dizzying acrobatics! A Brazilian player, Mikael Severo, scores a breathtaking bicycle kick for a Hong Kong Premier League club. Watch the gravity-defying goal here:
🚲 Mikael Severo with a mind-blowing bicycle kick!#ACL | #JBHvKIT pic.twitter.com/TGRypsO71R
— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) September 20, 2023
Eduard Bello Silences Brazil with a Late Overhead Kick (October 13, 2023)
Scoring a last-minute equalizer with an overhead kick against Brazil in a World Cup qualifier? That’s pure magic! Watch Eduard Bello’s incredible strike here:
How about that! 🔥
Venezuela's Eduard Bello scored this stunning overhead kick to end Brazil's 15-match winning streak at home which stretched back to 2015 ✨ pic.twitter.com/xq9gk0CxDE
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 13, 2023
Harry Kane’s Goal: A Contender for His Best Ever? (October 31, 2023)
Could this be the best goal of Harry Kane’s career?
Wir könnten uns dieses Tor den ganzen Tag anschauen! 😍
@HKane #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/EO8CYHlxsz
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) October 31, 2023
