Santiago Montiel was awarded the FIFA Puskás Prize for the best goal of 2025 for his incredible scorpion kick goal, which he scored while playing for Independiente against Independiente Rivadavia. The goal was scored in May 2025 during an Argentine Primera División match. Nephew of World Champion Gonzalo Montiel, he unleashed an exceptional left-footed strike from outside the penalty area, defying the laws of physics as he flew through the air. Montiel commented on the goal: "I didn't think much, I just hit the ball." Montiel was among ten other prominent candidates, becoming the second Argentine in a row to win the award, after Alejandro Garnacho, who won in 2024. The award is named after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás and is given for the most beautiful goal scored between August 11, 2024, and August 2, 2025.
