FIFA has announced Dubai will host a new annual awards ceremony from 2026 onwards – the only official annual awards ceremony of football’s world governing body.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced this during his speech at the World Sports Summit, which was held in Dubai.
“We are delighted to join forces with Dubai, a city that lives and breathes football, as we develop this world-class event,” Infantino said. “These world football awards will not just be an award ceremony, but an innovative way to celebrate football and honour the official top performers of the year both on and off the pitch.”
The new event will be known as the FIFA World Football Awards and will gather the world’s most influential football figures to celebrate the best players, teams, and achievements of the beautiful game from the previous year.
Dubai secures flagship FIFA ceremony
FIFA and the Dubai Sports Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to confirm the new partnership.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Chairman of the DSC, said: “The Dubai Sports Council enjoys a strong partnership with FIFA, which has resulted in numerous initiatives announced by Gianni Infantino from Dubai in recent times, impacting the global football landscape.
“We are pleased to announce this new agreement, which underscores the continued cooperation between us and reflects Dubai’s prominent position on the global football map. It also highlights Dubai’s role in developing the game worldwide and shaping a brighter future for the world’s biggest and most popular sport through launching pioneering initiatives, honouring outstanding individuals and hosting major events.
“Dubai is committed to supporting the development of the global sports system in general, and football in particular, and possesses all the necessary elements for success in fulfilling this role optimally, ensuring a significant Emirati impact on global sports.”
FIFA has hosted the Best FIFA Football Awards since 2017, an attempt to revive the FIFA World Player Gala, which was held from 1991 to 2009. The Best Awards honoured the world’s best players, coaches and teams. The 2025 edition was held in Doha in December, with Paris St Germain’s Ousmane Dembele named the best male player and FC Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati the best female player.
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