Pedro De La Vega reacted exactly how Sounders fan would expect to Puskas nomination | OneFootball

Pedro De La Vega suffered a season ending knee injury for the Seattle Sounders in October, but the Argentine forward made his mark on the season with his strike against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

De La Vega's strike has been shortlisted for the 2025 Puskas Award, which celebrates the most sensational strike globally. His goal came in a 7-0 routing of the Liga MX side, with the volley securing the forward's second goal of the game.

De La Vega became the first Sounder to be nominated for the award, and the fifth MLS player of all time to be nominated. An MLS player has never won the award, setting De La Vega up for history should he go on to claim the award.

The forward was surprised by the Sounders with the news of his nomination, and his reaction says it all about the Argentine international.

What did De La Vega say about his Puskas nomination?

The Sounders media team surprised the forward with his nomination, and De La Vega was almost speechless about the honor.

De La Vega said, "Wow. Incredible. Oh, I don't know. A lot of feelings right now. It's crazy. After the game, I remember the guy in the interview started to tell me, 'Oh, that's for the Puskas.' I say no unbelievable for me.

"But yeah, I'm so happy. I try a few times in training after, but no I can't. I can't do it again. Yeah, it's a really great goal. I think it's, it's like a dream for me. And the video is so good too. Wow, so happy. So happy to be part of the Puskas."

De La Vega's goal came in the 91st minute of play, with the Sounders already up 6-0 against Cruz Azul. Alex Roldan played a long ball to De La Vega, who struck the ball on first contact into the far post and off the base frame in the back of net, leaving Cruz Azul's goalkeeper frozen in place.

De La Vega wasn't the only Seattle player nominated for a prestigious FIFA award, though, with Seattle Reign's Jordyn Bugg nominated for the FIFA Marta Award, which is the women's equivalent of the Puskas.

Bugg's nomination came from her goal against the North Carolina Courage back in March. Bugg struck a loose ball from well outside the Courage box and sent the ball rifling into the back of the net for her first NWSL goal.

Fans are able to vote for both De La Vega and Bugg on FIFA's website, with voting open until December 3. The winner of the Puskas will be announced in January 2026 at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony.