Credits: IMAGO / Ulmer/Teamfoto

Declan Rice and Lamine Yamal Headline the Top 11 Puskas Award Nominees

Credits: IMAGO / Ulmer/Teamfoto

FIFA have revealed the list for 11 best goals of the year. And the 2025 Puskas Award shortlist quickly sparked global interest thanks to two headline names. Declan Rice and Lamine Yamal have stolen the spotlight. Their stunning strikes were celebrated across Europe last season.

Now they lead a diverse collection of nominations spanning multiple continents, competitions and styles of play. The award recognises the most breathtaking goal scored between August 11, 2024, and August 2, 2025. It gives fans a snapshot of the year’s purest footballing artistry.

This absolute golazo from 𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹 has been nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award 🤩🏆
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 14, 2025

Declan Rice and Lamine Yamal in the Spotlight

Both stars arrived on the shortlist for moments that defined their respective seasons. Yamal’s nomination comes from a curling finish in the Barcelona derby. It was an effort crafted with poise far beyond his age.

The goal also played a decisive role in confirming Barcelona’s league win. Meanwhile, Rice earned his place for a sublime free kick in the Champions League. His second dead-ball strike against Real Madrid delivered a statement performance.

Also Read: Robert Lewandowski Agent Breaks Silence on Retirement Rumours

The midfielder bent that shot into the top corner from an angle that defied logic. Reflecting on his brace of free kicks, Rice later said, “To score my first free kick in a game is a special one. And then when I got the second one. I just had the confidence. I’m speechless, really.”

He added that crossing the ball “didn’t make sense from that angle,” and that trusting his instinct “was magic.” Inclusion of both nominees is the representation of European football on this year’s Puskas Award list. But the full set of nominees demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to celebrating brilliance from every corner of the sport.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Declan Rice's free-kick vs Real Madrid has been nominated for the Puskas award! 🥇✨ pic.twitter.com/vBxEjT6pyo
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) November 13, 2025

Full List of FIFA Puskas Award 2025 Nominees

Alerrandro – Vitoria vs Cruzeiro – August 19, 2024
Alessandro Deiola – Cagliari vs Venezia – May 18, 2025
Pedro de la Vega – Cruz Azul vs Seattle Sounders – July 31, 2025
Santiago Montiel – Independiente vs Independiente Rivadavia – May 11, 2025
Amr Nasser – Al Ahly vs Pharco – April 17, 2025
Carlos Orrantia – Queretaro vs Atlas – April 16, 2025
Lucas Ribeiro – Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund – June 21, 2025
Declan Rice – Arsenal vs Real Madrid – April 8, 2025
Rizky Ridho – Persija Jakarta vs Arema – March 9, 2025
Kevin Rodrigues – Kasımpasa vs Rizespor – February 9, 2025
Lamine Yamal – Espanyol vs Barcelona – May 15, 2025

Also Read: Arsenal Suffer Double Blow Ahead of Crucial Clashes as Key Defenders Injured on International Duty

The variety in this lineup shows goals from club football, continental tournaments, and fixtures involving vastly different tactical cultures. Each strike earned recognition for its creativity, execution and unforgettable impact on the match in which it occurred.

Voting for the award is split evenly between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends. It means that supporters worldwide will play a decisive role in choosing the latest addition to Puskas history. With two of the campaign’s most memorable goals leading the conversation, there’s no saath who will win the award.

Declan Rice

Lamine Yamal

Puskas Award

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.