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