The finalists for our 2025 North American Soccer Photo Contest are set, and we need your help deciding the winners. Our judges have narrowed down the field and selected five (5) finalists from each of the following five (5) photo categories: Soccer Fandom, Match Action, Celebrations, Growing the Game, and From the Stands.

The photo receiving the most public votes in each category will advance as the official public selection for that category. Once voting closes, each public selection will count as a single judge’s vote, effectively serving as an eighth judge in this final round to crown the five category winners.

The overall community prize will be awarded to the photo that receives the most total votes in the popular vote. The voting form closes at 11:59 PM EST on February 1st, 2026.

You can cast your vote HERE.

We had an amazing class of entries this year, and we’re now one step closer to finding the best soccer photos from North America in 2025. You can now check out all the finalists below, and we look forward to seeing your winning selections.

SOCCER FANDOM CATEGORY FINALISTS

The people. Photographs capturing the essence of soccer fandom in North America.

Congratulations to the following photographers — their photo entries have been selected by our team of judges as the five Soccer Fandom category finalists.

Jake Wendel
Brian Higgins
Hannah Wagner
Vitor Munhoz
Lorena Barba Martín

Below are their respective submissions, in no particular order, accompanied by their captions.

Photo by Jake Wendel

“Emerging through smoke and sound, a drummer from St. Louis’ Fleur de Noise leads the prematch march to the stadium. A symbol of the rhythm and ritual driving soccer fandom in North America.”

Photo by Brian Higgins

“A passionate young Fluminense FC fan before their match against Chelsea FC in the FIFA Club World Cup at Metlife Stadium.”

Photo by Hannah Wagner

“Fans celebrate a D.C. United goal against Inter Miami at Audi Field.”

Photo by Vitor Munhoz

“Atletico Ottawa fan toughing out the snow storm during the historic CPL final in Ottawa on November 9, 2025.”

Photo by Lorena Barba Martín

“Nervous boy during Atlas FC match.”

MATCH ACTION CATEGORY FINALISTS

Goals, reactions, saves, etc. – anything on the field during the full 90. No celebrations.

Congratulations to the following photographers. Their photo entries have been selected by our team of judges as the five Match Action category finalists.

Steven Burroughs
Morgan Tencza
Patrick Woodbury
Enrique Medina
Hanin Mazri

Below are their respective submissions, in no particular order, accompanied by their captions.

Photo by Steven Burroughs

“Atlanta United Goalkeeper Brad Guzan making a save against Inter Miami, shot from the roof of the Benz.”

Photo by Morgan Tencza

“Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou makes a game-changing save on Manchester City's Savinho at the FIFA Club World Cup.”

Photo by Patrick Woodbury

“Playing on a field made slippery by winter conditions, Atlético Ottawa defeated Cavalry FC 2-1 after extra time to win the North Star Cup.”

Photo by Enrique Medina

“A Sunday league match at El Castillo on the outskirts of Mexico City: a corner kick curling toward goal amid chaos—a small dog on the goal line and a dangerous gully just behind it. Beautiful amateur football chaos. Shot on FUJI 400 35mm film on a Canon A2e.”

Photo by Hanin Mazri

“Messi on a dead ball during the opening game of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, new tournament same masterpiece.”

CELEBRATIONS

Photographs capturing the excitement after a goal, winning a match, or a championship — soccer’s most prized moments.

Congratulations to the following photographers — their photo entries have been selected by our team of judges as the five Growing the Game category finalists.

Brian Higgins
Aristide Economopoulos
Eduardo Villalobos
Alex Lorenzo
Gilbert Rios

Below are their respective submissions, in no particular order, accompanied by their captions.

Photo by Brian Higgins

“Alexis Vega standing above the rest of the team during Toluca FC's trophy lift after defeating LA Galaxy in the Campeones Cup.”

Photo by Aristide Economopoulos

“20251123 - Teammates pin Chatam’s Sophie D’Egidio (10 center) against the goal’s net as they celebrate Alex Donoghue’s (24 left) game-winning double overtime header goal off a corner kick to beat Shawnee 3-2 during the NJISAA Girls Soccer Group 3 state final.”

Photo by Eduardo Villalobos

“Lionel Messi celebrating the match winner against FC Porto during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage match. Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta, Georgia.”

Photo by Alex Lorenzo

“Sporting KC forward Erik Thommy celebrates a goal with his signature bow and arrow celebration (shot with a tilt shift lens).”

Photo by Gilbert Rios

“Wessam Abou Ali finds the back of the net in his debut, scoring in front of the home crowd. A perfect start and a moment to remember.”

GROWING THE GAME CATEGORY FINALISTS

Rising together. Your creative representation of growing the beautiful game in North America.

Congratulations to the following photographers — their photo entries have been selected by our team of judges as the five Growing the Game category finalists.

Mike Fiechtner
Lauryn Hottinger
Julio Ernesto Muñoz Martinez
Abi Chavez
Jorge Arturo Trujillo Ramírez

Below are their respective submissions, in no particular order, accompanied by their captions.

Photo by Mike Fiechtner

“A young boy from the Make-A-Wish Foundation meets his idol, Lionel Messi during walkouts before the Leagues Cup Final in Seattle.”

Photo by Lauryn Hottinger

“A little season ticket holder arrives in full regalia, to support the Boys of Maine.”

Photo by Julio Ernesto Muñoz Martinez

“Soccer is so popular in Mexico that it's even played along the canals of Xochimilco. There are several amateur leagues on those fields, and one curious thing about them is that if the ball goes into the canal, they have to go and get it by canoe.”

Photo by Abi Chavez

“Mi Baile - embracing movement, heritage, and play.”

Photo by Jorge Arturo Trujillo Ramírez

“Special Olympics uses football as a tool for inclusion, community, and connection for people with intellectual disabilities.”

FROM THE STANDS CATEGORY FINALISTS

Photographs made from the perspective of a fan, shot entirely from the stands, concourse, or general spectator areas. Intended for images captured without requiring media credentials or special access (no remote cameras).

Congratulations to the following photographers. Their photo entries have been selected by our team of judges as the five From the Stands category finalists.

Steven Burroughs
Noah Goldberg
Calvin Hernandez
Danny Miller
Alex Lorenzo

Below are their respective submissions, in no particular order, accompanied by their captions.

Photo by Steven Burroughs

“Taken from the supporters section at an Atlanta United Game.”

Photo by Noah Goldberg

“Austin FC forward Brandon Vazquez #9 celebrates a goal during the second half of the match vs. LA Galaxy on April 19, 2025. While inside the goal, Vazquez grabs the back of net in pure elation as he screams to the Austin FC Supporter Section in the foreground.”

Photo by Calvin Hernandez

“Tadeo Allende sends Inter Miami CF fans into hysteria after sealing Inter Miami’s win with a third goal in the 96th minute over Vancouver in the MLS Cup Final.”