People’s Puskás Award: Celebrating the Best Amateur Goal of the Year

While the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award recognizes stunning goals from professional players, the equally impressive feats of amateur players deserve their own spotlight. The People’s Puskás Award, initiated by Danish sport-tech company VEO, shines a light on extraordinary goals scored at the grassroots level. These moments, often witnessed by a handful of fans on local pitches, showcase the artistry and passion that permeate the sport.

Key Highlights

• VEO launched the People’s Puskás Award to honor amateur goals.
• The 2023 winner was Mason Evans for his sensational volley.
• Eight goals were shortlisted for the 2025 award, highlighting grassroots talent.
• Billy Tabb claimed the title for his stunning overhead volley.

Since its inception in 2022, the People’s Puskás Award has celebrated the best amateur goals captured on camera. Last year’s prize went to Welsh player Mason Evans for his powerful volley representing Ynyshir Albions. Similarly, the 2024 winner, Jonathan Le Ner, impressed with a breathtaking overhead kick that secured victory for Avenir Sport Saint Pierre Montrevault in a French county cup.

The anticipation builds for the 2025 award, which saw eight remarkable goals nominated. Each year, fans worldwide get the chance to vote, ensuring that the players’ talents are recognized beyond local fields. The results of this year’s voting have unveiled the final rankings, culminating in the announcement of the winner.

Quarterfinalists included Josh Beilby from Lethbridge FC, whose 35-yard strike sparked a comeback against Calgary Rangers. Then there’s Noé Plard, who redeemed a previous overhead kick miss by scoring a stunning volley in a regional cup final, helping his team claim the trophy.

Yannick Schlatter, returning from two ACL injuries, showcased his resilience with a skillful goal against FC Seuzach, while Lee Wort dazzled with a rabona finish that sent Portchester to FA Cup success.

This year’s semifinalists featured Raheem Jabar, whose long-range goal electrified the crowd, and Aleix Recort, who netted with a perfectly timed lobbed shot over the goalkeeper.

In a thrilling conclusion, the runner-up, Kane Harris, wowed fans with a long-range shot that left the goalkeeper stranded. However, it was Billy Tabb from Grangevale AFC who took home the coveted title. His improvisational overhead volley demonstrated skill and creativity, proving that grassroots players can deliver moments of pure brilliance.

As the award continues to grow, it serves as a reminder that football is not just played in stadiums but also in backyards and local parks, where dreams ignite and goals inspire.

FAQs

• What is the People’s Puskás Award?
  The award celebrates the best amateur goals scored worldwide.
• Who won the 2023 People’s Puskás Award?
  Mason Evans won for his stunning volley for Ynyshir Albions.
• How are the winners decided?
  Fans vote on their favorite shortlisted goals via social media.
• What makes this award special?
  It highlights grassroots talent and the beauty of the game played at all levels.

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