FC Cincinnati wing back Álvaro Barreal’s goal against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on June 6 in the U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious 2023 FIFA Puskás Award. Barreal’s goal was named among 11 finalists for the honor from the best goals around the world from December 19, 2022 – August 20, 2023.
Fans can vote for Barreal’s goal here: _fccincy.com/Puskas_.
The FIFA Puskás Award celebrates the most spectacular goal of the qualifying period. It is given to the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant goal, regardless of championship, gender or nationality and scored without the result of luck or a mistake and in support of fair play. Last year, Amputee footballer Marcin Oleksy earned the honor.
Established in 2009, the award is named for Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás, a prolific goal scorer famed for his glorious individual strikes.
Barreal’s nominated goal was a sensational strike, which began from a corner kick from Luciano Acosta in the 71st minute. The corner went directly to Barreal positioned outside the box, who hit a full volley with the outside of his left boot into the top left corner of the net.
Barreal’s goal served as the game-winning goal against Pittsburgh, allowing FC Cincinnati to advance to the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals. His goal featured as the No. 1 play on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10.
Barreal is just the fourth active Major League Soccer player to receive a final nomination for the award, the first since the 2019, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal in 2018 with LA Galaxy was a finalist for the prestigious honor. The other two previous finalists came from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, with Eric Hassli (2012) and Camilo Sanvezzo (2014) also reaching the pinnacle of nominated best goals throughout the world.
The Orange and Blue are back at home this Saturday, September 23 to host Charlotte FC. The club celebrates Noche Latina, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Limited tickets are still available at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets or by calling (513) 977-5425 (KICK).
