FIFA has announced the shortlists for the prestigious Puskas and Marta Awards for the best goals of the past year, featuring global stars alongside a surprise nominee from the fifth tier of English women’s football.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice is nominated for the Puskas Award for his stunning 30-yard free-kick against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
He is joined by Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal for his curling strike, and Atlas full-back Carlos Orrantia for a spectacular, multi-touch volley, among other contenders.
The Marta Award shortlist includes Brentford women’s forward Ashley Cheatley, who plays in the fifth tier, for a brilliant overhead kick scored in the Women’s FA Cup.
She competes with the award’s namesake, Marta, nominated for a superb solo effort in the NWSL, and Lizbeth Ovalle (the women’s game’s most expensive player) for a stunning backheeled finish.
The winners, for goals scored between August 2024 and August 2025, will be decided by a combination of a fan vote and a panel of “Fifa legends.”
