Dubai Chosen to Host Prestigious FIFA Best Awards

The global spotlight of world football is set to turn towards the Middle East once again, as FIFA has officially confirmed that the next edition of its prestigious annual awards ceremony will be held in Dubai. The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, underscoring the organisation’s growing confidence in Dubai as a premier destination for major international sporting events.

The FIFA Best Awards celebrate excellence across the global game, honouring outstanding achievements by male and female footballers, coaches, teams, and goalkeepers. Widely regarded as one of football’s most respected accolades, the awards are determined through a carefully structured voting system that combines the voices of fans, journalists, national team captains, and head coaches. This inclusive process ensures that both popular opinion and professional expertise are reflected in the final results.

Infantino confirmed the decision while speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, where global sports leaders, administrators, and innovators gathered to discuss the future of international sport. “I am pleased to announce that we have finalised a new partnership here in Dubai to celebrate the world’s best players, coaches, and teams,” Infantino said. His remarks highlighted not only the significance of the venue but also FIFA’s broader strategic vision of expanding football’s global footprint beyond its traditional strongholds.

He went on to emphasise the unifying power of sport, adding, “We have enjoyed sport immensely, and we will continue to enjoy even more the unity that sport brings to the entire world.” The statement reflects FIFA’s ongoing narrative of football as a force for cultural exchange, inclusion, and shared global identity.

Dubai’s selection as host city is widely seen as a recognition of its world-class infrastructure, organisational capability, and proven track record in staging high-profile international events. From major boxing bouts and Formula One races in the wider UAE to elite tennis and golf tournaments, the region has increasingly positioned itself as a global hub for sport and entertainment. Hosting FIFA’s flagship awards further strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a centre where sport, glamour, and global audiences converge.

The previous edition of the FIFA Best Awards was held in Doha, Qatar, in 2025, another landmark event for Middle Eastern sport. That ceremony celebrated France forward Ousmane Dembélé as the Best Men’s Player, following a season of exceptional performances, while Spain’s midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí claimed the Best Women’s Player award, cementing her status as one of the defining figures of modern women’s football.

With Dubai now preparing to welcome football’s elite, anticipation is already building among fans, players, and industry insiders alike. The upcoming ceremony is expected to blend footballing prestige with the city’s signature luxury and innovation, offering a memorable stage for honouring the very best the sport has to offer.

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As the countdown begins, Dubai’s hosting of the FIFA Best Awards promises not only a celebration of footballing excellence but also a powerful statement about the sport’s truly global future.