FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed plans to replace The Best awards with a new initiative in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council. The announcement came during the inaugural World Sports Summit in Dubai and marks the end of the current awards format after nearly a decade. The new ceremony will become FIFA's sole official annual honors event starting next year.
FIFA introduced The Best awards in 2016, shortly after parting ways with France Football over the Ballon d'Or, to independently celebrate top achievements in men's and women's soccer. The awards have since recognized players, goalkeepers, coaches, and fan-voted prizes in ceremonies held in European cities like Zurich, London, and Paris. However, the 2025 edition, where Ousmane Dembele was honored, will be the last under the existing structure.
At the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino confirmed the overhaul, stating that the new awards will launch in 2026 as a collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council. He and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership. FIFA's statement noted: “Starting in 2026, this will be FIFA’s only official annual awards ceremony and will bring together the most prominent figures in world football to honor the best players, teams, and achievements from the previous men’s and women’s football season.”
Infantino highlighted Dubai's passion for the sport, saying: “We are delighted to join forces with Dubai, a city that lives and breathes football, as we develop this world-class event. These world football awards will not just be an award ceremony, but an innovative way to celebrate football and honor the official top performers of the year both on and off the pitch.” The relocation to Dubai positions the event alongside the Globe Soccer Awards, also based there, intensifying competition with established honors like the Ballon d'Or.
Historical highlights include Lionel Messi as the most decorated men's winner with three trophies, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski with two each. In women's soccer, Aitana Bonmatí leads with three wins, ahead of Alexia Putellas's two. Emiliano Martínez and Mary Earps each have two Yashin Awards for goalkeepers, while Sarina Wiegman holds five coaching honors in the women's category. Details on the new awards' categories, nominations, and dates remain forthcoming.
