Ranking every goal that's won the Puskas Award

If voting for the annual Puskas Award winner seems like a tall order, ranking the past victors of the prestigious honor is nearly impossible. Nevertheless, theScore ranks the 11 goals that were considered the most aesthetically pleasing in their respective years.

11. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool (2018)

This might not have even been the best goal that Mohamed Salah scored during his epic debut campaign at Liverpool. But, on the heels of his record-breaking season, who can blame FIFA for wanting to celebrate the Egyptian star and the beautiful goal he bagged in his first Merseyside derby?

10. Wendell Lira, Goianesia (2015)

It’s difficult to argue that Wendell Lira’s goal, though incredibly impressive, was anywhere near as good as Lionel Messi’s legendary solo effort against Athletic Bilbao in 2015. But, in the end, the Puskas Award went to the Brazilian, who somehow ended up finishing well in front of second-place Messi.

9. Mohd Faiz Subri, Penang (2016)

Intentional or not, Puskas Award voters were obviously impressed with Mohd Faiz Subri’s swerving, long-distance strike in the Malaysian Super League. One of the wildest free-kicks of all time, we’ll never know if Subri even aimed for that top corner, or what exactly the goalkeeper was thinking as the ball dramatically curved from the left side of the goal to the right.

8. Miroslav Stoch, Fenerbahce (2012)

Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, most could only dream of pulling off a strike as sweet as Miroslav Stoch’s volley. While Stoch hit it just right, it’s the type of audacious attempt that could have easily landed in Row Z.

7. Hamit Altintop, Turkey (2010)

Hamit Altintop preceded Stoch with a similar walloping effort from the top of the box in 2010, but the edge goes to the Turkish midfielder since he managed to make the sweet connection as the ball came across his body.

6. Neymar, Santos (2011)

While he wasn’t entirely unknown at the time, Neymar didn’t officially introduce himself to the world until he produced this dazzling goal – two years before his arrival at Barcelona. However, he failed to break the top five thanks to Flamengo’s questionable defense.

5. Daniel Zsori, Debrecen (2019)

Even Daniel Zsori couldn’t believe his eyes after his long-distance overhead kick found the back of the net. Zsori executed the acrobatic strike perfectly to score an injury-time winner in his senior debut.

4. Olivier Giroud, Arsenal (2018)

The play looked dead before Olivier Giroud’s scorpion kick off of a poor cross produced one of the most ridiculous Premier League goals ever. After seeing his no-look, backheel volley, TV audiences were probably hitting the rewind button to see if they could figure out how the then-Arsenal forward pulled off his incredible strike.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden (2013)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s eyes probably lit up against England when he saw a chance to fire the type of shot that players only try on the training ground. Although he’s built a reputation for scoring goals that seemingly defy logic, even he must have been surprised when his long-distance bicycle kick found the net. Or maybe not.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United (2009)

Cristiano Ronaldo made history by scoring this rocket against FC Porto to win the first-ever Puskas Award. Once he realized there was space, it was over, as the then-Manchester United star didn’t think twice before having a go from over 35 yards out to hit one of the cleanest shots you’ll ever see.

1. James Rodriguez, Colombia (2014)

Along the way to becoming the 2014 World Cup’s top scorer, James Rodriguez provided a magical moment football fans will never forget.

Rodriguez had already cemented himself as the competition’s breakout star before Colombia’s quarterfinal clash. But his stock seemingly skyrocketed even higher when he stole the show against Uruguay with a stunning volley, which he executed by knocking a pass down with his chest as defenders closed in before adjusting his body to perfectly strike the ball.