Colombian Alejandro Piedrahita’s Stunning Goal Sparks Puskas Award Buzz

Alejandro Piedrahita, a Colombian forward playing for CSKA Sofia, has quickly become a sensation in Bulgarian football after scoring a spectacular bicycle kick goal against Slavia Sofia on February 22, 2026. The goal has ignited social media, with fans calling for its nomination for the FIFA Puskas Award, recognizing the best goal of the year.

A Rising Star in Bulgaria

Piedrahita, who previously played for Deportivo Pereira and had a brief stint at Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, scored the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Slavia Sofia at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. The goal came in his second appearance for CSKA Sofia, marking his first in European football. The play involved a clever double pass with Petko Panayotov, setting up Piedrahita for the acrobatic finish with his back to the goal.

Third Consecutive Win for CSKA Sofia

This victory marked CSKA Sofia’s third consecutive win in the Efbet League, propelling them to third place in the standings with 40 points, surpassing CSKA 1948 on goal difference. Slavia Sofia, suffered their third consecutive defeat and remain in seventh place with 28 points.

“The Goal of the Decade?”

The goal has been widely praised, with the Corner page describing it as “The goal of the decade.” Social media is abuzz with praise, including comments like, “Colombian Puskás 2026? Alejandro Piedrahita scored this GREAT GOAL and gave CSKA Sofia the victory!” and “The great goal by Alejandro Piedrahita… is already in the running for the Puskas Award.”

Colombia’s Puskas Award History

Colombia has a history of nominees for the Puskas Award. Radamel Falcao García was nominated in 2012 for a bicycle kick goal with Atlético de Madrid, finishing as runner-up. James Rodríguez was a nominee in 2014 for his goal against Uruguay during the World Cup in Brazil. Avilés Hurtado received a nomination in 2017 for a bicycle kick goal with Xolos de Tijuana. Juan Fernando Quintero was nominated in 2018 for a free-kick goal with River Plate, and Luis Díaz was nominated in 2021 for a volley against Brazil. In 2023, Linda Caicedo was recognized for her goal with the Colombian National Team against Germany in the Women’s World Cup.

The Puskas Award Process

The list of goals nominated for the Puskas 2026 award will be announced at the end of the year, with the award presented at The Best awards ceremony the following year. The selection process involves a fan vote and a panel of FIFA Legends, each carrying 50% of the final weight. Voters rank their top three goals, assigning five points to their first choice, three to their second, and one to their third.