The Puskas Prize for the most beautiful goal of 2023 was awarded to 23-year-old Guilherme Madruga, a midfielder. The trophy was presented by FIFA (International Football Federation) this Monday (15), in London, England. The family celebrated with tears of joy as if it were a World Cup victory.
His grandparents live in a cozy house in the Center Park neighborhood, in the Coronel Antonino region of Campo Grande. Born in Mato Grosso do Sul, he was raised in São Gabriel do Oeste and then began travelling around for football.
Before the award ceremony, it was officially announced that he would be joining Cuiabá, from Mato Grosso. This will be Madruga’s first time playing in Brazil’s top division. Last year, he played for Botafogo-SP, where he stood out with his stunning goals, including the one that earned him a nomination for the top prize in world football.
The winning goal was scored on June 27, 2023, when the player surprised everyone by scoring with a bicycle kick from outside the box, lobbing the Novorizontino goalkeeper in a 1-0 victory. Another amazing goal he scored was also against Novorizontino, from midfield.
The family was emotional and overjoyed when Madruga was announced as the winner. He became the third Brazilian to win the award, following in the footsteps of Neymar (for Santos in 2011) and Wendell Lira (for Goianésia in 2015).
During the awards ceremony in London, Madruga thanked everyone and expressed his gratitude to God. His father, Genildo, and mother, Jurcenei, along with his aunt Josy, grandfather Manoel, and grandmother Juracir, shed tears of pride and happiness.
Guilherme talked to his family in Campo Grande during the ceremony in London. He could feel their emotions through his parents’ voices. His brother Gustavo accompanied him to London, and he will return to Brazil directly to Cuiabá to rejoin the team. His parents, who live with him, said they will go to Ribeirão Preto (SP) to take care of the move before reuniting in Cuiabá.
The Madruga family was moved to tears by Guilherme’s achievement. His mother, Jurcenei, said she prayed a lot for this day and that her son showed the world that he deserves it.
His aunt Josy, an avid marathon runner, was very proud and said it was a long-awaited achievement that was emotionally rewarding for her as well. She aims to travel to Cuiabá to attend Madruga’s debut.
Together, the family celebrates the historic moment and wishes the young footballer continued success and happiness.
