Gomez's half-line stunner named goal of season so far

Diego Gomez has become the talk of English football after scoring a breathtaking goal from the halfway line in Brighton’s 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace on Sunday ^[1]. The 23-year-old, signed from Inter Miami in January 2025, picked up the ball in central midfield and unleashed a powerful strike over Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez and into the net, sealing a stunning opening-half blitz.

The goal has drawn comparisons to David Beckham’s famous 1996 strike against Wimbledon, with former Premier League keeper Shay Given calling it 'amazing' and 'reminiscent' of Beckham’s effort ^[1]. Given praised Gomez’s composure, noting Benitez’s positioning was not at fault given the high defensive line and the nature of the through ball.

Pundit Efan Ekoku echoed the sentiment, labelling the strike 'the goal of the season so far' and highlighting how Gomez reacted instantly after dispossessing Wharton ^[1]. The goal was part of a sensational 10-minute spell in which Brighton scored three times, with Jaydee Canvot scoring an own goal, Yasin Ayari adding a second, and Charalampos Kostoulas extending the lead in the second half before Jack Hinselwood wrapped up the scoring late on.

Brighton now sit second in the Premier League table after five wins from seven games, having begun the season under new manager Fabian Hurzeler with remarkable consistency ^[1]. Gomez has now registered a goal and two assists in the opening campaign, cementing his status as a key figure in the side’s attacking setup.

The Seagulls’ next challenge comes in midweek against Czech side Jablonec in European competition, before a tough Premier League clash with Liverpool. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace face a tough road ahead, with their next fixture against Newcastle and a European tie against Besiktas looming ^[1]. The story was first reported by Mirror.