Dubai will host a new annual world football awards event starting in 2026, following the signing of a partnership agreement between FIFA and the Dubai Sports Council (DSC). The announcement was made at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Under the agreement, the event will become the only official annual FIFA awards ceremony, bringing together the world’s most influential football figures to honour the best players, teams and standout achievements from the previous year. FIFA and the DSC formalised the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding, reinforcing Dubai’s growing role as a global hub for major sporting events.
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the strength of the relationship between Dubai and FIFA, noting that several global football initiatives have been announced from the emirate in recent years. He said the new agreement reflects Dubai’s prominent position on the international football stage and its commitment to advancing the sport worldwide through innovative initiatives, recognition of excellence and the hosting of major events.
He added that Dubai remains committed to supporting the development of global sport, particularly football, and has all the elements required to play a meaningful role in shaping its future and strengthening the UAE’s impact on the international sports landscape.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the partnership, describing Dubai as a city deeply connected to football. He said the new awards would go beyond a traditional ceremony, offering an innovative platform to celebrate the game and officially recognise the year’s top performers both on and off the pitch.
Details on award categories, nomination and voting processes, and event dates are expected to be announced at a later stage.
