Driss El Jabali's Rabona Stunner Sparks Puskas Award Talk
Moroccan defender Driss El Jabali has scored a spectacular rabona goal for MAS Fès that is being hailed as a potential contender for the FIFA Puskas Award. The stunning strike occurred during a Botola Pro match against Wydad Casablanca on April 12, securing a 1-0 victory for the league leaders.
The goal, captured in a viral social media clip, saw El Jabali, a central defender, execute an audacious rabona from outside the penalty area. The powerful shot took a slight deflection off a Wydad defender but flew into the net, cementing a crucial win for Fès. The rarity of a defender scoring such a technically ambitious goal has amplified the attention surrounding the moment.
According to reports from Actu Foot Maroc, which first highlighted the goal online, the strike is already being discussed as a possible nominee for the annual award celebrating the world's best goal. The Puskas Award, named after legendary Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskas, is voted on by fans and has previously honored spectacular efforts from players across all levels of the game. El Jabali's goal fits the classic profile of a contender: an extraordinary piece of skill with a high degree of difficulty that decided a significant match.
The context of the match adds weight to the goal's importance. MAS Fès currently sits atop Morocco's top division, while Wydad Casablanca is a traditional powerhouse and one of the country's most successful clubs. Securing three points in such a tight title race underscores the goal's competitive value beyond its aesthetic appeal. For El Jabali, the moment represents a dramatic highlight in a career primarily defined by defensive duties.
While no formal nomination process for the 2026 Puskas Award has begun, such viral moments often form the basis for the public shortlist later in the year. The goal has thrust Driss El Jabali and MAS Fès into an international spotlight rarely afforded to players in the Botola Pro. His strike serves as a reminder that moments of world-class individual brilliance can emerge from any league, capturing the global imagination and celebrating the unpredictable beauty of football.
