ALEJANDRO GARNACHO won the FIFA Puskas award for best goal—just days after being left out of the Manchester United squad.

Garnacho and Marcus Rashford were not included in the team that went to the Etihad for the City derby.

It was a spectacular bicycle kick. Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United appeared disappointed during a Premier League match. Garnacho was dropped by United. The team went on to win 2-1, thanks to late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.

Old Trafford manager Ruben Amorim indicated the exclusion was based on performances in matches and training.

Soccer player executing a bicycle kick.

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

The Argentine was not in Qatar to collect the award, as Vinicius Jr won the evening’s top honor.

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

This follows his being narrowly defeated for the Ballon d’Or by Manchester City’s Rodri in a surprising result.

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United celebrating a goal.

Vinicius appeared emotional on stage while accepting his FIFA Best award in Qatar.

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

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

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

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United looking dejected during a Premier League match.

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

Vinicius netted 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 revealed details on who each coach and captain voted for.

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

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid holding The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.

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

Scotland boss Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy both selected Rodri as their top pick.

Vinicius Junior accepts the Best FIFA Football Awards Best Player trophy.

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

Gianni Infantino congratulates Vinicius Junior on winning the Best FIFA Men’s Player award.

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 past two years, while Robert Lewandowski had claimed it in both 2021 and 2022.