FIFA’s Gianni Infantino announces replacement for the Best Awards before 2026

FIFA introduced The best awards in 2016 following the split of the Ballon d’Or, creating its own platform to recognize the top figures in world football each year. With 2026 approaching, awards are about to undergo a major overhaul, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that The Best will be replaced by a new initiative from next year.

Speaking at the first World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino has discussed several possible changes to the game, including ongoing discussions about rule adjustments such as Arsène Wenger’s proposed offside law. One of the most striking announcements, however, was the confirmation of this The Best awards will be replaced by a joint initiative with the Dubai Sports Counciland from 2026 will become FIFA’s only official awards celebrating excellence on and off the pitch.

The presidents of FIFA and the Dubai Sports Council, Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, formalized the agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding during the event. “From 2026, this will be FIFA’s only official annual awards ceremony and will bring together world football’s most prominent figures to celebrate the best players, teams and performances of the previous men’s and women’s football seasons,FIFA confirmed this in a statement distributed to the media.

Infantino also emphasized the importance of Dubai’s role in the new pricing structure: “We are delighted to join forces with Dubai, a city that breathes football, as we develop this world-class event. These World Football Awards will not just be an awards ceremony, but an innovative way to celebrate football and honor the year’s official top performers, both on and off the pitch.“

Over the years, the Best Awards have honored players, goalkeepers and coaches in men’s and women’s soccer, along with a fan-chosen award. No specific details have yet been announced about categories, nomination processes, selection criteria or ceremony dates for the new awardsand further information is expected in the coming months.

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FIFA will now compete against the Ballon d’Or and GSA

Since FIFA and France football ended their partnership in 2016, both organizations have taken separate paths in recognizing the world’s best players. In recent years, the Globe Soccer Awards (co-founded by Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes) have also gained prominence, and FIFA’s latest move represents a strategic effort to strengthen its position in the global awards landscape.

While The Best ceremonies were traditionally organized in European cities such as Zurich, London and Paris, the new awards move to Dubai. The city also serves as the home of the Globe Soccer Awards, adding a new layer of competition as FIFA looks to increase the prestige and global reach of its revamped awards.

Who are the top winners in the history of The Best?

Although The Best Awards may return in a different format, the 2025 ceremony marked the last edition under the current structurecapping off nearly a decade of recognition. Despite the change, the list of top winners remains firmly established.

Lionel Messi is the most decorated winner among menafter claiming the best award three times, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski with two each. In women’s football Aitana Bonmatí leads the way with three winswhile Alexia Putellas is the only other player to secure the honor twice.

Lionel Messi poses with the award for Best FIFA Men’s Player 2022.

In the Yashin Award category, Emiliano Martínez leads the men’s list with two victoriesmatched by Maria Earps on the women’s side. Jurgen Klopp is the only men’s coach to have won The Best twice Sarina Wiegman leads all managers with five prizes in women’s football.