Which GOAL Led Santiago Montiel to WIN Puskas Award?

In football, one gets reward and recognition for their feat every year; one such prestigious personal accolade is the FIFA Puskas Award. The award is given to a player who has scored the most mesmerising goal of the year since its inauguration in 2009. The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo was the first player to win the Puskas Award during his days at Manchester United in 2009.

The most unique fact about this FIFA award is that players from any level, league, country or competition are eligible for nomination. It doesn't discriminate unless you score outrageously. Overhead kicks, Olympic goals, headers, free-kicks, long rangers – doesn't matter how you put the ball in the back of the net, unless it leaves spectators speechless.

This year, the 2025 FIFA Puskas Award nominees included Club Atlético Independiente winger Santiago Montiel, who netted a stunning goal to take home the Best Goal of the Year Award. Know more about Santiago Montiel's goal, career, Net Worth, etc.

Santiago Montiel: 2025 FIFA Puskas Award Winner

In Doha, Qatar, Santiago Montiel was announced as the winner of the 2025 FIFA Puskas Award, having received the highest number of votes from fans among all the nominees. The 25-year-old's amazing overhead kick strike came from outside of the penalty box, after a corner kick was cleared by the defence that fell in front of Santiago.

In that moment, he displayed a moment of pure brilliance to connect the ball to his left foot in the mid-air, and it was a sweetly struck bicycle kick with enough power, precision and technique to end in the back of the net. The game finished in favour of his side, Independiente recording a 1-0 victory over Independiente Rivadavia in the Argentine top division in May 2025.

Santiago Montiel became only the third Argentine to receive the FIFA Puskas Award after Eric Lamela and Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho. He edged past the likes of Lamine Yamal, Declane Rice in the nominees list to secure the triumph.

Who is Santiago Montiel?

Primarily plays on the wings as an attacking winger, and often slots in the full-back role. Santiago Montiel is the cousin of Argentina's world-winning star Gonzalo Montiel. He rose through the ranks of River Plate academy, and has spent the majority of his club career in youth leagues. In 2024, he signed for Club Atlético Independiente in Argentine Primera División, donning the number 7 shirt for El Rey de Copas. The 25-year-old has never been called up for the Argentina national football team, or even played for the Albiceleste youth squads. There's no public information on Santiago Montiel net worth.