Puskas Award 2025: Declan Rice And Lamine Yamal Become Headline

Declan Rice is on the list of nominees for the 2025 Puskas Award (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Arsenal midfielders, Declan Rice, and Lamine Yamal from Barcelona were nominated for the 2025 FIFA Puskas Award.

Rice was nominated for his stunning free-kick in the Champions League when Arsenal won Real Madrid 3-0 in last season's quarter-finals.

"Scorting my first free kick in a game was a special moment. Then when I got a second free kick, I immediately felt confident."

"I really can't say anything. When you score goals, it feels like the best feeling in the world."

"When I see a live fence, the cross doesn't make sense. It has to be a smooth pass. You know, I'm glad I took it (a free kick) because it was magical," Rice told Amazon Prime after the match against Real Madrid in April 2025.

Meanwhile, Yamal is on the list of nominations thanks to his curling shot against Espanyol who confirmed his LaLiga title for Barcelona.

This award will be determined based on the 50 percent share between fan voice and voice provided by the FIFA Legends panel, with the winner to be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025.

Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea, who was playing for Manchester United at the time, won the 2024 Puskas Award for his spectacular cross-kick against Everton in the Premier League.

While the winners of other Premier Leagues in the past include Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min, and Olivier Giroud.

The period covered for this award ranges from August 11, 2024 to August 2, 2025.

Alessandro Deiola from Caligari, Lucas Ribeiro from Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kevin Rodrigues from Kasimpasa were also nominated with Seattle Sounders striker Pedro de la Vega.

Interestingly, the Indonesian player from Persija Jakarta, Rizky Ridho, was also included in the 2025 Puskas Award nominee. His goal against Arema on March 9, 2025 - which was also named the best goal for Liga 1 2024/2025 - is considered worthy of being included in the list.

Puskas Award 2025 Nominations

Alessandro Deiola, Cagliari vs Venezia, 18 May 2025

Pedro de la Vega, Cruz Azul vs Seattle Sounders, 31 July 2025

Santiago Montiel, Independiente vs Independiente Rivadavia, 11 May 2025

Amr Nasser, Al Ahly vs Farko, 17 April 2025

Carlos Orrant Total, Querétaro vs Atlas, 16 April 2025

Lucas Ribeiro, Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund, 21 June 2025

Declan Rice, Arsenal Vs Real Madrid, April 8, 2025

Rizky Ridho, Persija Jakarta Vs Arema, March 9, 2025

Kevin Rodrigues, Head Of Badminton Association Vs Rizespor, February 9, 2025

Lamine Yamal, Espanyol vs Barcelona, 15 May 2025