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Álvaro Barreal: A Well-Deserved Nomination for the FIFA Puskás Award

By Arthur Fernandes

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 23: Álvaro Barreal #31 of FC Cincinnati plays during the second half of a Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City at TQL Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 23: Álvaro Barreal #31 of FC Cincinnati plays during the second half of a Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City at TQL Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) /
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Soccer, as a global sport, has the power to unite nations and inspire passions worldwide. Within this sport filled with magical moments, there’s an award that celebrates individual magic, creativity, and technical excellence—the FIFA Puskás Award. In 2023, Álvaro Barreal of FC Cincinnati was nominated for this prestigious distinction, and it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t fully deserve this honor.

Álvaro Barreal, a talented soccer fullback, made his mark in the history of the sport with a goal that will surely be etched in the memories of sports enthusiasts. His nomination for the Puskás Award came courtesy of a spectacular goal he scored during a match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, a USL team. This wasn’t just an ordinary goal; it was a masterpiece of creativity, technique, and courage. At the 71st minute of the game, Barreal struck the ball with masterful precision from a corner kick taken by Luciano Acosta, sending it into the back of the net with a whip-like and incredibly fast touch. It was one of those moments when soccer transcends the sport itself and becomes a form of art.

COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 20: Álvaro Barreal #31 of FC Cincinnati controls the ball during the match against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on August 20, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – AUGUST 20: Álvaro Barreal #31 of FC Cincinnati controls the ball during the match against the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on August 20, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Barreal’s nomination for the Puskás Award is not only an honor for him but also for Major League Soccer (MLS) and FC Cincinnati. He is only the second MLS player to receive this nomination, following in the footsteps of the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic. This demonstrates not only the growing quality of soccer in the United States but also the impact that players from around the world can have in the league.

Furthermore, FC Cincinnati is making history in 2023. Leading the race for the Supporters’ Shield and with captain Luciano Acosta being a strong candidate for the MLS MVP award, the club is leaving its mark. They also have three players in the 2023 MLS All-Star roster, including Álvaro Barreal. Audi’s recognition on four different occasions is additional proof of FC Cincinnati’s rising success.

Álvaro Barreal’s nomination for the FIFA Puskás Award is a tribute to the beauty and magic that soccer can create. It’s recognition of this player’s extraordinary talent and also evidence of the growing quality of soccer in the United States. The world is witnessing the rise of soccer stars in unexpected places, and Barreal is a shining example of this phenomenon. Whether he wins the Puskás Award or not, his spectacular goal has already left an indelible mark in the hearts of soccer fans worldwide.

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