When Raheem Jabar of Queen’s Park Crescents FC met a bouncing ball with a volley that flew into the roof of the net from 35 yards, winning a Puskas Award may have been the last thing on his mind as he was mobbed by delighted teammates.
However, for the Bedford-based footballer, the wonder strike may well be picking up a prize, as Raheem’s effort has been nominated for the People’s Puskas Award 2026.
The FIFA Puskás Award, named after the famous Hungary and Real Madrid striker, Ferenc Puskás, is given to the professional who nets the best goal every year, but there is a grassroots version, the People’s Puskas Award.
The People’s Puskas Award recognises excellent goals from the amateur and non-league game from around the planet.
Raheem’s strike is one of 16 nominated for the prize that features goals from all around the world, with the 2026 version featuring goals from Billericay and Grangeville, from Ireland to the United States, Switzerland and Sydney in Australia.
Now in its third year, the competition invites players, coaches and fans around the world to submit their most spectacular goals for the chance to be crowned the People’s choice for Goal of the Year.
Unlike traditional goal-of-the-year awards that spotlight the professional game, The People’s Puskas is built on the belief that some of football’s most extraordinary moments happen at grassroots and youth level and deserves a global stage.
“I’m gonna hit this!”
This year, the award’s slogan is, “Beat That!” – and at least in Bedfordshire circles, not many will beat Jabar’s volley.
Raheem knew it the moment his foot made contact.
“I just remember the ball getting headed out from the throw-in, and as soon as I saw it bouncing towards me from about 35 yards out, immediately I knew ‘I’m gonna hit this’, and I just caught it sweet,” Raheem says.
For most amateur footballers, the recollection of goals comes merely from the memory and in the pub later on, but Raheem’s goal was recorded on Veo, allowing it to be nominated for the People’s Puskas Award.
“We’re not professionals, but seeing a goal that goes in and then being able to watch it as many times as you want afterwards is a good feeling,” adds Raheem.
“I watched the footage a few times just to see how it looks on camera. It looks different on the pitch compared to on camera. I just think what a hit!”
“It gives me a great feeling that my goal is nominated for an award. It makes me feel proud of myself,” Raheem says.
Whether it beats strikes from players at West Coast FC in the States, Sydney’s Phoenix FC or the twinkle-toed, Yannick Schlatter of FC Niederweningen in Switzerland remains to be seen, but the vote is now open for the public to choose their favourite.
