FIFA Launches New International Football Award in Dubai

^{Pictured: FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a meeting with representatives of the Dubai Sports Council at the World Sports Summit}

The International Federation of Association Football has announced the launch of a new annual official award, the Dubai-FIFA Global Award, according to the organisation’s official website. Starting in 2026, the award ceremony will be held in Dubai on a permanent basis.

FIFA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Sports Council during the World Sports Summit currently taking place in the emirate.

The agreement was signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Commenting on the agreement, Infantino said FIFA was pleased to partner with Dubai in creating a new world-class global event. According to him, the ceremony will introduce a new format for reviewing the football year and honouring the best representatives of world football.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted that the agreement reflects the strong and long-standing partnership between Dubai and FIFA, and highlights the emirate’s role in developing football and hosting major international sporting events.

The new award will be presented on an annual basis, recognising the best players, teams and achievements in world football based on the results of the previous year.

Further details regarding award categories, nomination and voting procedures, as well as the dates of the ceremony, will be announced at a later stage.