A new candidate for the Puskas Award has emerged from Mexican football: Matheus Dória. During the match between Atlas and Tijuana that concluded matchday 11 of the Clausura 2025, the Brazilian defender surprised everyone with a spectacular goal. Despite the score being 3-0 in favor of the Xolos, in the 60th minute, Dória scored in a stunning manner. From a corner kick, instead of heading the ball, he executed a scorpion goal with his left foot, in a brilliant maneuver.
Matheus' goal was the first for the Zorros and marked the beginning of an incredible comeback. Although it wasn't celebrated much at first due to the score disadvantage, the goal inspired the team, which ultimately won 4-3 with a hat-trick from Uros Durdevic.
After Dória's outstanding performance, Atlas promoted his scorpion goal on Twitter, inviting FIFA to consider it for The Best awards at the end of the year, including the Puskas Award. FIFA's reaction was swift, responding to the video with surprise emojis and a scorpion.
In other news, last week Jacqueline Ovalle also amazed with an inverted scorpion goal during the match between Tigres and Chivas in matchday 10 of the Liga MX Femenil Clausura 2025. Although the incredible goal by La Maga created a great stir on social media, it cannot be considered for the Puskas Award.
However, Ovalle can aspire to the Marta Award, inspired by the Brazilian footballer of the same name, which is the female version of the Puskas and recognizes the best goals in women's football.
