Dubai will host the FIFA Best Awards next year, marking another milestone in the city’s rise as a global sports hub. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the announcement during an international sports gathering, highlighting a new partnership that brings football’s most prestigious individual honors to the United Arab Emirates. The decision reflects FIFA’s broader vision of expanding football’s global footprint while celebrating excellence in the sport.
The FIFA Best Awards recognize the world’s top men’s and women’s players, coaches, and teams. Fans, media representatives, national team captains, and head coaches participate in the voting process. As a result, the awards carry significant credibility and global appeal. Hosting the ceremony places Dubai at the center of football’s elite celebrations, further strengthening its reputation as a destination for major international events.
Infantino emphasized that the partnership goes beyond trophies and titles. He highlighted football’s power to unite people across cultures and regions. According to him, Dubai offers an ideal platform for showcasing that unity due to its international character and proven capacity to host large-scale global events. Consequently, the city’s selection aligns with FIFA’s goal of connecting the sport with diverse audiences worldwide.
Dubai has steadily positioned itself as a leading venue for global sports, business, and entertainment events. Over the past decade, the city has hosted high-profile football matches, combat sports championships, and international conferences. Therefore, bringing the FIFA Best Awards to Dubai appears to be a strategic continuation of that trend. The event is also expected to attract football legends, officials, sponsors, and fans from across continents.
The most recent edition of the FIFA Best Awards took place in Doha. That ceremony saw standout performances rewarded at the highest level of the sport. French forward Ousmane Dembélé earned the men’s player honor, while Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí secured the women’s award. Their recognition underscored the awards’ role in highlighting individual brilliance alongside team success.
Looking ahead, the Dubai-hosted ceremony is likely to blend football celebration with the city’s signature hospitality and global outlook. Moreover, it may further strengthen ties between FIFA and the Middle East, a region increasingly influential in international football. While exact dates and venue details remain pending, anticipation is already building among fans and industry observers.
As football continues to expand beyond traditional centers, Dubai’s role as host of the FIFA Best Awards signals a clear shift toward a more global stage. The move not only honors sporting excellence but also reinforces football’s message of unity, ambition, and shared passion across borders.
