Santiago Montiel, winner of FIFA’s Puskás Award for goal of the year | OneFootball

Santiago Montiel wrote a golden page for Argentine football and for Independiente by being crowned the winner of the 2025 Puskás Award. The forward was honored at The Best gala, held in Qatar, thanks to the stunning bicycle kick he scored in the Rojo's 1-0 victory over Independiente Rivadavia in the 2025 Torneo Apertura, which made headlines worldwide.

The awarded goal was scored against the Mendoza team and not only received all the applause for its aesthetics, but it was also the only goal of the match. The execution, full of technique, coordination, and power, quickly became one of the most viral actions of the year and ended up winning the international vote.

During the ceremony, Montiel's achievement generated an immediate reaction. Arsène Wenger, historical coach and current FIFA Director of Global Football Development, was the one who made the announcement with visible astonishment and a clear football gesture, reflecting the impact of the Argentine player's performance on the global football elite.

Additionally, FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly celebrated the achievement of the Rojo player with a message on his social media: “Congratulations to Santiago Montiel for winning the FIFA 2025 Puskás Award. Your amazing bicycle kick with Club Atlético Independiente demonstrated extraordinary technique, agility, and skill, and is truly a goal worthy of this honor.”

Montiel thus became the third Argentine to win this prestigious award alongside Erik Lamela and Alejandro Garnacho (who also won it with a bicycle kick), joining a select list and reaffirming the talent that Argentine football continues to export. A recognition that not only elevates his career and Independiente but also leaves the aesthetic stunt as an eternal image in the history of the Puskás.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.