Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus missed out on the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award on Tuesday, with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho claiming the coveted honor for his exceptional overhead kick.
Garnacho’s stunning acrobatic strike, which earned him the top prize, narrowly surpassed Kudus’ impressive solo effort for West Ham United against Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League last season.
While Kudus’ goal—a dazzling display of individual skill that saw him drive from his own half to finish coolly in the box—was celebrated worldwide, it was not enough to secure the victory in a fiercely contested race.
Kudus, who had been shortlisted for the 2024 Puskás Award, saw his remarkable goal gain significant recognition at the FIFA ceremony in Doha.
The Ghanaian’s brilliant solo run against Freiburg, which helped West Ham secure a vital victory, was lauded by fans and pundits alike as a Messi-esque moment of footballing excellence.
Kudus weaved through defenders and slotted the ball with poise, showcasing the flair that has made him one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
Despite the disappointment of not winning the Puskás Award, Kudus had much to celebrate this week.
On Monday, he was named to CAF’s Men’s Best XI, an acknowledgment of his outstanding performances over the past year.
🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus’ goal vs Freiburg has been nominated for this year’s Puskas Award. pic.twitter.com/6HHA8X2pOa
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) November 29, 2024
His inclusion in this prestigious lineup highlights his growing stature in African and world football.
Kudus’ time at West Ham United has seen him shine, particularly during his debut season, where he scored 14 goals.
However, this campaign has been more challenging for the Ghanaian.
Despite the team’s struggles, Kudus has continued to impress, contributing two goals so far this term.
His individual brilliance remains a key bright spot for a team that is striving to improve its fortunes in the Premier League.
While he did not walk away with the Puskás Award, Kudus’ continued recognition and form highlight his potential as one of football’s rising stars, both at the club level and on the international stage with Ghana.
