Indonesian center-back Rizky Ridho has made history as the first player from his nation to be nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award, recognizing the best goal of 2025. FIFA announced the 11 nominations on 13/11, covering goals scored between 11/8/2024 and 2/8/2025.

Rizky Ridho celebrates his goal during the Persija Jakarta versus Arema FC match on 9/3 at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi city, West Java, Indonesia. *Photo: Persija Jakarta*

Ridho's nominated goal came on 9/3 during a Liga 1 match between Persija Jakarta and Arema FC at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium. The 23-year-old defender surged forward during a counter-attack, receiving a pass from Ryo Matsumura on the left. From near midfield, he unleashed a one-touch shot that flew directly into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Lucas Frigeri helpless. Frigeri's poor positioning, having come too far off his line, contributed to the goal.

Ridho faces stiff competition from other world-class goals. These include Lamine Yamal's solo effort and finish against Espanyol, and Declan Rice's powerful free-kick for Arsenal against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Rizky Ridho's spectacular goal.

The full list of nominees includes: Alerrandro Souza (Vitoria), Alessandro Deiola (Cagliari), Pedro de la Vega (Cruz Azul), Santiago Montiel (Independiente), Amr Nasser (Al Ahly), Carlos Orrantia (Queretaro), Lucas Ribeiro (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Kevin Rodrigues (Kasımpaşa). FIFA and its international football partners selected these goals based on technical skill, difficulty, creativity, and impact.

The Puskas Award winner will be determined by an equal 50% split between fan votes and a panel of FIFA legends. Fans can register on the FIFA website to cast their votes for their three favorite goals until the deadline of 3/12. FIFA will announce the winner at its awards ceremony, which includes "the best" awards, scheduled for early 2026.

The 11 nominated goals for the Puskas Award 2025.

Born on 21/11/2001 in Surabaya, Indonesia, Rizky Ridho has scored 4 goals in 50 appearances for the Indonesia national team. He also secured a gold medal with the youth team at the 2023 SEA Games.

Ridho is not the first Southeast Asian player nominated for the Puskas Award. That honor went to Malaysia's Mohd Faiz Subri in 2016. Subri scored for Penang against Pahang in the Malaysian championship that year and ultimately won the Puskas Award with 59,46% of the votes. At that time, fans solely determined the award winner.

FIFA first presented the Puskas Award in 2009 to Cristiano Ronaldo for his long-range strike for Man Utd against Porto in the Champions League. The most recent award winner was Alejandro Garnacho, also from Man Utd, for his overhead kick against Everton in the Premier League. No player has won the Puskas Award more than once. Lionel Messi holds the record for most nominations, with 7, but has yet to win the award.

By Hoang An (based on FIFA, CNN)