Why Lulo Benítez Deserves the FIFA Award for Most Beautiful Goal of the Year

On 23rd October, FIFA will award the most beautiful goal of 2016 with the Puskás Award. Among the candidates are true 'works of art' from all corners of the world. But for ABTO – Associação Brasileira de Transplante de Órgãos (Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation), the most beautiful goal of the year is not on the list. It happened outside of the four lines in July of this year.

To save the life of his nephew, Milo, Argentine player Alejandro Benítez, best known as Lulo, gave up his own career and donated part of his liver to the boy, who was only nine months old at the time.

The news was divulged by the major newspapers of Argentina and also some channels in Brazil. Lulo Benítez played for Central Larroque, which competes in the Argentine Tournament C, and decided to stop his career when he found out to be compatible to donate the organ to the boy, who was born with a blockage of the blood vessels that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and therefore needed the transplant.

Not to let such an inspiring attitude go unnoticed, ABTO signs to the #PUSKASPARALULO movement, created by Leo Burnett Brazil, asking players, fans, media and influencers to share the story of the Argentinean and make this goal get to FIFA. Maybe then, he could be nominated for the Puskás Award, in the largest ceremony of world football.

More than winning or running for the Award, the intent of the campaign is to inspire and draw the attention of people to be organ donors. Because one thing is certain: there is no goal more beautiful than saving lives.