FIFA officially discontinues The Best award

After almost ten years of being a significant yearly occasion, the FIFA The Best award is set to officially end.

According to the latest confirmation from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, The Best will be completely replaced by a new award system starting in 2026. This announcement was made during the first World Sports Conference held in Dubai, marking a major turning point in FIFA's strategy for branding and image development.

At the event, Mr. Infantino not only mentioned potential changes to football laws, including Arsene Wenger's proposed offside rule improvements, but also drew significant attention by unveiling plans to completely overhaul FIFA’s award system. Accordingly, The Best will be replaced by a collaborative initiative between FIFA and the Dubai Sports Council, becoming FIFA’s sole official ceremony to honor outstanding achievements in both men's and women's football.

This strategic partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. From 2026 onwards, the new awards ceremony will be held annually, gathering the most influential and prominent figures in world football, including players, coaches, teams, and individuals with notable contributions off the pitch.

FIFA emphasizes that the new award system is not merely a recognition event but a creative and comprehensive occasion reflecting the full values of modern football. Besides honoring professional achievements, the award also aims to acknowledge contributions to development, community, and social impact by individuals and organizations in the football world.

Choosing Dubai as a strategic partner also highlights FIFA’s strong ambition for global expansion. Dubai has long been regarded as a new sports hub worldwide, with modern infrastructure, the capacity to host large-scale events, and growing influence in international sports activities. FIFA expects this collaboration to set a new standard for future football award ceremonies.

The departure of The Best will surely cause regret among fans, especially since this award has honored numerous superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Robert Lewandowski. However, with a new vision and support from Dubai, FIFA believes the new award system will bring fresh innovation, enhancing the value and appeal of global football in the post- 2026 World Cup era.