OFFICIAL: Alejandro Garnacho wins the 2024 PUSKAS award

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho officially scored the finest goal in the last year after he was crowned the winner of FIFA's prestigious Puskas Award.

The Argentine joined the Red Devils' youth setup from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and has quickly emerged as one of the best young stars at the club.

Garnacho has played 113 games for the senior side, scoring 24 goals and offering United a pacey and skilful option on the flank.

He has had a mixed campaign so far, however, with eight goals and four assists in all competitions and just one goal involvement in his last six league matches, summing up the Red Devils' struggles this season.

Things went from bad to worse for the Argentine on Sunday when he was dropped, along with Marcus Rashford, ahead of the Manchester derby - a game which United heroically came back from behind to win 2-1 courtesy of fellow winger Amad Diallo.

But Garnacho received a rare bit of good news today when he deservedly scooped up the FIFA Puskas Award 2024 for a mesmerising bicycle kick against Everton last November.

Less than three minutes into the contest at Goodison Park, right back Diogo Dalot picked up the ball on the right flank and looped in a seemingly innocuous cross into the home box which seemed to evade everyone.

A split second later, Garnacho spun into the air just inside the penalty area, and volleyed home a spectacular bicycle kick into the top corner to the sheer amazement of both teams.

As the Argentine wheeled away in elation, the travelling supporters launched into a chant of 'viva Garnacho' in honour of one of the finest goals they had surely ever witnessed.

United went on to batter the Toffees 3-0 in a rare highpoint during a miserable campaign for Erik ten Hag's men.

The forward's effort beat 10 other strikes in contention for the famous trophy, named after Hungarian icon Ferenc Puskas, and won in the past by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

After accepting the award, Garnacho said: 'I'm very proud to win this award, it's a proud moment for me and my family. Thank you to everyone who voted for me, especially the United fans.

'It was a great finish and I worked on this in training many times, but also it was a great move from the team, so it's impossible to be here without my team-mates.

'It was a special goal and I'll always remember it, but there's many more incredible moments to come with this team. We have a lot to look forward to together.'

United head coach Ruben Amorim made a bold call to leave both of his star wingers out of his matchday squad entirely for the trip to Manchester United.

In the end the Portuguese was vindicated as United produced a stunning comeback win in the final moments to defeat City 2-1 to make it eight defeats in 11 games for their local rivals.

But the talking point post match remained the axing of Rashford and Garnacho and former Red Devils captain Gary Neville believed the decision to leave both out was the right one.

'I don't know about their long term future,' Neville told Sky Sports, 'but what is really clear is that [Amorim] mentioned engaging with team-mates, he's mentioned standards. He's giving us clues, in fact, emphatic clues, about the last few days that they're moping and not doing their bit around the training ground.

'It's standards in training and he's thought "no, I'm not having it, I'm not accepting it". Good on him.

'For far too long we've seen players mope around that pitch and still continue to get a game or on the bench. No. It's got to be non-negotiable. If you don't give your all in your job, you're gone, you're out. That's it.'

Garnacho has remained tight-lipped on his social media about being left out.

Amorim made it plain that standards need to be met and any player that falls below them will not be tolerated.

The nominees for this year's PUSKAS award: 

Hassan Al Haydos

Qatar v China PR | 21 January 2024

Al Haydos could not have caught this volley any sweeter. Akram Afif was the creator, floating a corner to the edge of the box where the Qatar striker was waiting to blast an unstoppable effort into the top corner. The goal clinched a 1-0 victory for Qatar in the AFC Asian Cup group stage.

Did you know?

The goal was one of three Al Haydos scored during Qatar’s triumphant Asian Cup campaign. They beat Jordan 3-1 in the final to win the title for the second time.

Terry Antonis

Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers | 12 March 2024

Melbourne City were 6-0 ahead and cruising in this A-League clash – but the best was yet to come. With the ball still inside the Melbourne half, Antonis lifted it over the head of Wanderers midfielder Oscar Priestman before unleashing a magnificent strike which sailed into the net.

Did you know?

Before joining Melbourne ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, Antonis played for Western Sydney Wanderers. He was at the club for two years from 2021 to 2023, and also spent time on loan there in 2017.

Yassine Benzia

Algeria v South Africa | 26 March 2024

Benzia collected a pass from Algeria team-mate Monsef Bakrar with his back to goal, flicked the ball up with his right boot then improvised sensationally to fire home with a left-footed bicycle kick. The strike sent the fans in Baraki wild – and earned his team a 3-3 draw in this FIFA Series encounter.

Did you know?

Benzia scored five times for France at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in 2011. He represented the country up to U-21 level, before switching allegiance to Algeria in 2016.

Walter Bou

Lanus v Tigre | 4 August 2024

This Argentinian top-flight game looked to heading for a draw, with the score 2-2 and the clock ticking into the 90th minute. Lanus star Bou had other ideas, however, expertly controlling a hopeful ball forward with his chest before rifling in a jaw-dropping overhead kick from 20 yards.

Did you know?

Bou had a dream debut for Lanus after joining the club in January 2024, coming off the bench to score both his team’s goals in a 2-0 win over San Lorenzo.

Michaell Chirinos

Costa Rica v Honduras | 23 March 2024

Chirinos’ strike would have been a worthy nominee in itself – but the assist makes this even more special. Jerry Bengtson displayed exceptional ingenuity to set up his Honduras team-mate with a wonderful first-time pass with the outside of his boot. Chirinos’ eyes lit up and he duly crashed a superb volley beyond Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas in this Concacaf Nations League play-off, which the hosts went on to win 3-1.

Did you know?

Chirinos’ incredible goal was his first for the Honduras senior national team.

Federico Dimarco

Inter Milan v Frosinone | 12 November 2023

The danger appeared minimal in this Serie A encounter when Dimarco lighted on a pass wide on the left flank, just inside the opposition half. The Italian, however, spotted Frosinone stopper Stefano Turati off his line and let fly with a spectacular lob which dipped underneath the crossbar and left the keeper grasping at thin air.

Did you know?

Dimarco came through the youth ranks at Inter but left aged 19 to join Swiss side Sion. He returned to his boyhood club just one year later and has since become a first-team regular.

Alejandro Garnacho

Everton v Manchester United | 26 November 2023

Garnacho drew gasps inside Everton’s Goodison Park stadium when he opened the scoring for Manchester United in astonishing style in this Premier League showdown. Diogo Dalot’s lofted cross was slightly behind the Argentinian, but he launched himself into mid-air and sent a stunning overhead kick rocketing into Jordan Pickford’s goal.

Did you know?

This game was the fourth in a run of 38 consecutive United matches Garnacho started in the 2023/24 season.

Mohammed Kudus

West Ham United v Freiburg | 14 March 2024

Kudus displayed his electric array of attributes to score a remarkable solo goal in this Europa League clash. The Ghana international’s control, balance and skill were all on show as he dribbled from well inside his own half, leaving several Freiburg players in his wake. He then had the composure to slide in a clinical low finish.

Did you know?

After scoring twice in Ghana’s 3-2 victory over Korea Republic at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, a giant Kudus mural was painted in his hometown of Nima.

Denis Omedi

KCCA v Kitara | 6 August 2024

Omedi provided the standout moment of this 3-3 thriller in the Ugandan Super 8 tournament. The Kitara forward took aim with an improbable rabona from the edge of the penalty box, generating remarkable power to find the top corner of the net.

Did you know?

Omedi is hoping to become the second player to win the FIFA Puskás Award with a rabona kick. Erik Lamela did so back in 2021, with his goal coming for Tottenham Hotspur in their derby against Arsenal.

Paul Onuachu

Trabzonspor v Konyaspor | 10 November 2023

Trabzonspor striker Onuachu settled this Turkish Super Lig clash with an astonishing 85th-minute winner. Enis Destan dug out a cross from the left and Onuachu somehow manoeuvred his body to score with a flying backheel. The Nigerian’s cartwheeling celebration offered further evidence of his extraordinary athleticism.

Did you know?

In 2019, Onuachu scored the fastest goal in the history of the Nigeria national team. In his first start for the Super Eagles, he netted inside 10 seconds against Egypt.

Jaden Philogene

Rotherham United v Hull City | 13 February 2024

The second rabona on the shortlist was scored by Hull forward Philogene in the English Championship. He showcased his skill, balance and quick feet to turn Rotherham midfielder Oliver Rathbone inside out before his audacious effort looped beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.