The Puskas Award 2023: Here are FourFourTwo's alternative picks for the best goal of the past 12 months

By Mark White
published

The Puskas Award 2023 takes place tonight as part of the FIFA Best Awards – but there have been plenty of scorchers in the past year that deserve recognition

Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Newcastle United FC and Paris Saint-Germain at St. James Park on October 04, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
(Image credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The Puskas Award 2023 is likely to feel like somewhat of a damp squib. We've had some unworthy winners of the prize in the past (although let's not get into a heated debate about which goals exactly) but social media seem to be united in this year's probable winner.

Julio Enciso's rocket for Brighton against Manchester City on a balmy midweek evening on the south coast was a damn good goal, all right. But was it on par with some of the Puskas recipients of the past? Was it as good as Oli Giroud's scorpion kick? Zlatan Ibrahimovic's stunning acrobatic overhead swipe against England in 2012? James Rodriguez's swivelling volley at the 2014 World Cup? 

Perhaps not – yet it looks destined for the crown regardless. Some may even wonder why Alejandro Garnacho isn't in the running. Ours is not to reason why at FourFourTwo, however – these are simply some contenders for the best goal of the past year that we really enjoyed. Who doesn't adore a goal compilation?

FourFourTwo's Puskas Award 2023 alternatives

Bali Mumba: Plymouth Argyle vs Huddersfield Town

As chosen by Staff Writer, Ryan Dabbs.

Fabian Schar: Newcastle United vs Paris Saint-Germain

As chosen by Deputy Editor, Matthew Ketchell.

Harry Wilson: Fulham vs West Ham United

As chosen by Editor, James Andrew.

Aurio Teixeira: Hereford vs Chester

See more

As chosen by Chief Sub Editor, Gregg Davies.

George Thomason: Bolton Wanderers vs Blackpool

See more

As chosen by Senior Staff Writer, Chris Flanagan.

Michael Olise: Crystal Palace vs Luton Town

As chosen by Online Content Editor, Mark White.

Jacob Murphy: Newcastle United vs Everton

As chosen by Head of Video, Adam Clery.

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.