The People’s Puskas: What Can We Learn From the 100 Most Beautiful Goals?
Magnus Holt
Football is a game of instinct, skill, and precision. When it all comes together in a flash, unforgettable moments are created, and this is what we’re celebrating with People’s Puskas. This year, 2,183 of those moments were submitted. We’ve taken a deep dive into the numbers, looking at where the goals come from, how they are scored, and what makes them special.
From every corner of the world, we received goals that left defenders stunned, goalkeepers helpless, and fans in awe. It wasn’t easy to narrow down this incredible selection, but now, we have our 100 nominees.
Read more about how we selected the 100 nominations.
But choosing the best goals isn’t just about watching highlight reels. From the most common types of finishes to surprising trends in goal-scoring, the data tells fascinating stories about what we perceive as beautiful goals.
The 100 nominees are a global goal celebration
Year after year, People’s Puskas brings together the greatest grassroots goals, and this year is no different. The submissions come from all over the world, but there’s still one country that stands out when looking at the 100 best goals. England has the strongest representation, with 27 nominated goals. Could it be coming home, at least in the world of stunning finishes?
USA (15), Germany (12), and France (9) are also well-represented. In total, goals from 26 countries are nominated, showing that goal-scoring brilliance is spread far beyond just a few footballing nations and that magic can happen anywhere.
Last year’s winner came from Wales, and they’re back for more. Ilan Ap Gareth from Gresford Athletic carries the Welsh hopes this time around, aiming to follow in the footsteps of last year’s champion, Mason Evans.
What makes a goal great? Breaking down the candidates
So, what kind of goals made the cut this year? Clear trends emerge when we look at the top 100.
The overhead or scissor kick remains the gold standard of spectacular goals, with 19 nominations. There’s just something about a player launching themselves into the air, meeting the ball perfectly, and sending it flying past the keeper that never gets old.
But that’s far from the only way to score a goal worthy of this list. Sixteen of the nominees are long-range rockets – powerful shots from a distance that left goalkeepers with no chance. And if it’s elegance you’re after, 14 perfectly weighted chips or lobs have made the list, proving that sometimes a goal is about finesse rather than force.
Volleys and half-volleys continue to captivate fans, with 12 of each making the final selection. Catching a ball in mid-air and striking it cleanly, with the perfect combination of timing and technique, is an incredibly pleasing experience to watch.
One notable absence? Headers. Not a single one made the final list. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but it’s a reminder that when we think of “beautiful” goals, it’s usually those that require footwork, timing, and precision rather than aerial dominance.
The changing nature of a beautiful goal?
Maybe the most surprising stat from this year’s nominees is how few goals involve dribbling past a defender. Only 22 of the 100 goals feature a player taking on and beating an opponent before scoring. Is dribbling becoming a lost art? Or are modern goal-scorers more focused on quick transitions and one-touch finishes?
Something might suggest that when looking at the amount of first touch-finishes and buildups. 49 of the 100 goals were scored with the very first touch. Whether it was a well-placed strike from outside the box, a thunderous volley, or a perfectly timed tap-in, nearly half of this year’s best goals came from quick reactions rather than extended build-up play.
Adding to this, 38 of the goals were scored without a single pass leading up to them. Whether it was a solo effort, a direct set-piece, or a moment of opportunism after a loose ball, these goals were all about individual brilliance. Even when there were passes involved, they were kept to a minimum. On average, only two passes were played before the final shot, meaning most of these goals were the result of quick, decisive action rather than extended build-up play.
And where are these goals coming from? Only 33 are scored inside the penalty box. That means the majority – 67 to be precise – are long-range efforts, including 16 from more than 30 meters out. Some of these are true once-in-a-lifetime strikes, with a small handful coming from the team’s own half.
Time to decide
The 100 best goals are here, and now it’s up to you. Voting is open, and the top eight goals will qualify for the knockout rounds. You have three votes per day, so whether you love a 40-meter screamer, an acrobatic bicycle kick, or a delicate chip, make sure to have your say.
Voting closes on February 28, and we need your help to find the most beautiful goal of them all. Watch the goals, cast your votes, and be part of the journey. Who knows? The next People’s Puskas winner could be the goal that leaves you speechless today.
