Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as the winner of the prestigious 2024 FIFA Puskás Award, celebrated for his breathtaking overhead kick scored during a Premier League match against Everton at Goodison Park in November 2023.
The Argentine forward’s stunning strike narrowly triumphed over a strong contender, Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu, who was also nominated for his exceptional flying backheel goal for Trabzonspor in a match against Konyaspor. The award was presented during the highly anticipated FIFA Best Player of the Year ceremony, held in Doha, Qatar.
Garnacho’s remarkable effort outshone the contributions of nine other nominees in the category, including Federico Dimarco, Jaden Philogene, Mohammed Kudus, Hassan Al Haydos, and Yassine Benzia, cementing his place in the history of memorable football moments.
The 20-year-old Garnacho’s award-winning goal was a moment of pure brilliance. Connecting with a perfectly lofted cross from teammate Diogo Dalot, Garnacho executed a flawless overhead kick that left Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, utterly helpless. The goal was widely celebrated as one of the best in recent years and has now earned the recognition it deserves on the global stage.
On the other hand, Paul Onuachu had earned his nomination for his outstanding contribution during Trabzonspor’s clash with Konyaspor. In the final moments of the game, Onuachu showcased extraordinary skill and composure, meeting a cross from Enis Destan with a flying backheel that secured victory for his team. His remarkable goal stood out for its creativity, precision, and technical brilliance, making him one of the top contenders for the award.
Despite Garnacho’s continued success and development at Manchester United, the Nigerian forward has faced challenges since returning to Southampton after his loan spell at Trabzonspor. Onuachu has struggled to find his form in the Premier League this season, failing to register a goal or assist in his six appearances so far. However, his Puskás nomination serves as a testament to his undeniable talent and capability to deliver extraordinary moments on the field.
The FIFA Puskás Award celebrates the most spectacular and aesthetically significant goals scored over the year, honoring players for their creativity and skill. Garnacho’s win highlights his bright future in football, while Onuachu’s nomination reinforces his reputation as a player capable of extraordinary feats despite recent struggles.