He becomes only the second Argentinian player to claim the award, following Erik Lamela, who won in 2021 for his memorable rabona strike for Tottenham in the North London derby against Arsenal.
Garnacho’s spectacular goal came in the third minute of United’s 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park and unsurprisingly secured both Manchester United’s and the Premier League’s Goal of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign.
His goal has now been officially recognised as the best scored globally between August 2023 and August 2024.
The announcement was made by football legend Alessandro Del Piero during The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony held in Doha, Qatar.
🚨✨ 2024 Puskas Award by FIFA as Goal of the Year: Alejandro Garnacho.
“It was a great goal, of course. But there is a lot more to come, and a lot more to look forward to. Thank you for all the support”. pic.twitter.com/FGzddn0k2L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 17, 2024
Garnacho beat out notable competition, including West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene (for a goal scored while on loan at Hull City), and Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco.
A statement from Manchester United read: “Congratulations to Alejandro Garnacho, who is the winner of the FIFA Puskas Award for 2024.
“The Manchester United winger has been recognised for the stunning, acrobatic bicycle kick he netted at Everton in November 2023.
“Well done to our No. 17, and thanks to all those who supported him. It’s a goal that we’ll cherish for years to come.”
The voting process for the Puskas Award involved fans as well as a panel of FIFA legends, ensuring Garnacho’s goal received approval from some of football’s most iconic figures.
This victory also places Garnacho alongside his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, who was the first-ever winner of the Puskas Award in 2009.
Ronaldo claimed the honour for his powerful long-range strike against FC Porto during the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2008-09 season.
Garnacho now becomes only the second Manchester United player to win the award.
