Overview
- Beginning in 2026, the New World Football Awards will be FIFA’s only official yearly awards, replacing The Best FIFA Football Awards launched in 2016.
- FIFA will crown the World Player of the Year at the rebranded ceremony created with the Dubai Sports Council.
- Gianni Infantino described the new format as an innovative celebration that officially recognizes excellence on and off the pitch.
- FIFA said information on prize categories, nominations, voting procedures, and event dates will be released at a later time.
- Reporting notes that France Football’s Ballon d’Or currently carries greater prestige among players than FIFA’s awards.