Santiago Montiel has been awarded the 2025 FIFA Puskás Award for a impressive bicycle kick scored on June 5th during a Primera División match for Club Atlético Independiente. The annual award, recognizing the most aesthetically pleasing and remarkable goal of the year, was announced by FIFA today, making Montiel the second consecutive Argentinian recipient following Alejandro Garnacho’s win in 2024. In addition to Montiel’s honor, FIFA also presented the inaugural Marta Award recognizing the best goal scored by a woman, awarded to Lizbeth Ovalle.
Santiago Montiel’s stunning bicycle kick has been named the FIFA Puskás Award winner for 2025. The goal, a moment of brilliance, earned him the honor over a field of ten other outstanding candidates, FIFA announced. He becomes the second consecutive Argentinian to claim the prize, following Alejandro Garnacho’s win in 2024.
The Puskás Award is one of the most anticipated accolades in the world of football, recognizing goals that are truly exceptional and leave fans in awe.
Montiel’s winning goal came on June 5th at the Estadio Libertadores de América in Avellaneda. In the 15th minute, he reacted to a rebound outside the box with a spectacular bicycle kick that found the back of the net.
Video del gol de Santiago Montiel, ganador del premio Puskás
Montiel beat out global stars like Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) for the prestigious award.
Speaking after the match in Avellaneda, Montiel explained he was simply trying to prevent a counterattack when he unleashed the stunning strike, unaware it would become a prize-winning moment. “I knew I had to finish the play, because they had a very dangerous player, (Sebastián) Villa. It fell to me and I just hit it without thinking,” he told ESPN.
The goal came at a crucial time for Montiel, who had been battling injuries. “I’m very happy. It had been a long time since I’d scored or even been able to play consistently due to injuries. I went through a tough time, but to come back and score a goal like that, a dream goal, makes me very happy,” Montiel said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated the winner. “Congratulations to Santiago Montiel for winning The FIFA Puskás Award 2025. His spectacular bicycle kick with Club Atlético Independiente in Argentina’s Primera División demonstrated exceptional technique, agility, and skill, and is a truly deserving goal for this honor,” Infantino stated.
Lizbeth Ovalle Wins The Marta Award
For the first time, FIFA created a separate award to recognize the best goal scored by a woman, named The Marta Award, in honor of the legendary Brazilian footballer. There were no female nominees for the Puskás Award this year.
“Lizbeth scored a brilliant scorpion kick, demonstrating exceptional technique, undeniable skill, and great imagination. Thank you for this great moment, which has captured the attention of the football world, and congratulations on this well-deserved award,” Infantino added.
In other awards presented, Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the best goalkeeper of the year, and Hannah Hampton was recognized as the top female goalkeeper.
