ALEJANDRO GARNACHO received the FIFA Puskas award for the best goal—just days after being excluded from the Manchester United squad.

Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were omitted from the team that traveled to the Etihad for the City derby.

It was an incredible bicycle kick. Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looking disappointed during a Premier League match. Garnacho was sidelined by United. United went on to win 2-1, thanks to late strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.

Old Trafford manager Ruben Amorim suggested the omission was due to performances in both matches and training.

However, Garnacho had reason to celebrate after winning the Puskas award for his stunning bicycle kick against Everton in November 2023.

The Argentine was not in Qatar to accept the award, as Vinicius Jr took home the night’s main prize.

The Real Madrid star claimed the men’s player of the year award, beating Rodri and Jude Bellingham.

This follows his being edged out for the Ballon d’Or by Manchester City’s Rodri in a surprising outcome.

Vinicius appeared emotional on stage as he accepted his FIFA Best award in Qatar.

The award—covering football from August 2023 to August 2024—was determined by a combination of public voting, one journalist from each country, and the captain and manager of each national team.

Each group’s vote accounted for 25 percent, with Carlo Ancelotti winning the best men’s coach award.

This came after Ancelotti guided Vinicius and his teammates to the Champions League and La Liga titles.

Rodri received the 2024 Ballon d’Or and was congratulated by his mother. Football’s top trophy. Play Video

Vinicius scored 24 goals in 39 appearances last season, including one in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

Real Madrid were already in Doha for Wednesday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA also disclosed details on who each coach and captain voted for.

England’s Harry Kane voted for Rodri, with international teammate Bellingham second and Vinicius third.

Former interim manager Lee Carsley selected Bellingham, Rodri, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy both named Rodri as their top choice.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey voted for Vinicius, while Northern Ireland skipper Paddy McNair opted for Rodri.

Brazil’s captain and manager both chose Vinicius, but their Spanish counterparts picked Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal.

Lionel Messi won the best player award for the last two years, while Robert Lewandowski had claimed it in 2021 and 2022.