While the FIFA Puskás Award celebrates the most stunning goals scored by elite professional players, it’s refreshing to see that the impressive goals at the amateur level are now receiving equal recognition.
The People’s Puskás Award, launched by Danish sport-tech company VEO, highlights extraordinary goals scored not in packed stadiums, but on local parks, school fields, and amateur pitches around the world.
Since its inception in 2022, the award has provided a platform for the most remarkable goals at grassroots and junior levels, with the only requirement being that they are captured on video.
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The 2023 award was awarded to Welsh amateur Mason Evans for his spectacular volley with Ynyshir Albions, while the 2024 winner was Jonathan Le Ner for his amazing overhead kick for Avenir Sport Saint Pierre Montrevault during a French county cup match.
Eight fantastic goals have made it to the shortlist for the 2025 award. After a global social media poll, we are excited to announce the final rankings and the overall winner, who will now take their place as the scorer of one of the most incredible grassroots goals ever recorded.
QUARTERFINALISTS
Josh Beilby (Lethbridge FC, Canada)
With Lethbridge down by two goals, Beilby pulled his team back into the match against Calgary Rangers with a brilliant strike from distance, making it 2-1 with 76 minutes on the clock. Inspired by Beilby’s 35-yard rocket, Lethbridge later equalized, earning a crucial point.
Beilby reflected, saying, “We were 2-0 down and time was running out. I just focused on executing the technique.”
Noé Plard (Aubry Chaudron FC, France)
After failing to score a similar overhead kick two years prior, Plard gathered the courage to attempt it again during the Under-17s cup final between Aubry Chaudron and Fuilet-Chaussaire. This time, his execution was perfect, helping his team secure the trophy.
Plard shared, “Thanks to VEO, people believed me when I claimed I scored such an unbelievable goal in a cup final.”
Yannick Schlatter (FC Niederweningen, Switzerland)
After undergoing extensive rehabilitation for two ACL injuries, Schlatter returned to full form with an electrifying goal against FC Seuzach. Surrounded by two defenders, the forward weaved through them with dazzling footwork and curled the ball past the keeper.
Schlatter stated, “This goal means more to me than just scoring; it symbolizes my perseverance.”
Lee Wort (AFC Portchester, England)
Portchester triumphed over Melksham Town in a replay of their FA Cup preliminary round tie, thanks to a brilliant individual goal by Wort. He skillfully controlled a long ball over his shoulder before cutting inside and finishing with a spectacular rabona.
Wort joked, “I’m just relieved it went in because I didn’t think the manager would be too happy if I missed a chance to go 3-0 up!”
SEMIFINALISTS
Raheem Jabar (Queens Park Crescents FC, England)
After a throw-in was cleared from the penalty area, Jabar seized the opportunity, connecting with a sensational 30-yard strike that soared into the net, giving the Crescents a 1-0 lead in their Bedfordshire Premier Division match.
Jabar recalled, “I saw the ball headed out from the throw-in, and when it bounced towards me from about 30 yards out, I thought, ‘I’m hitting this,’ and I struck it perfectly.”
Aleix Recort (FC Rönin, Catalonia)
Recort, signaling his intention to break through the opposing defense, received a perfectly timed long ball from his center back. He expertly controlled it with his right foot before executing a perfectly lobbed shot over the goalkeeper, who had ventured too far off his line.
RUNNER-UP
Kane Harris (Phoenix FC, Australia)
Harris electrified the Sydney leagues with a remarkable long-range goal last year. The Phoenix striker capitalized on a defensive lapse by Glebe Wanderers, lunged for a loose ball, and blasted a first-time shot from 40 yards just inside the touchline.
Harris noted, “As I approached the ball, I glanced up to see the goalkeeper slightly off his line, so I decided to take the shot. I knew it was going in as soon as it left my foot.”
WINNER
Billy Tabb (Grangevale AFC, Republic of Ireland)
Tabb showcased his creativity when a high cross from the right compelled him to adjust his run. He skillfully juggled the ball with his head before executing an astonishing twisting overhead volley into the top corner.
Tabb exclaimed, “The moment the ball came down, I just went for it. I knew it had a chance as soon as it left my foot!”