The end of the award was announced at the end of December by the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, no World Sports Summitheld in Dubai. The statement came shortly after the last edition of the award, also in December, which awarded the French Ousmane Dembeledo PSGand the Spanish Aitana Bonmati, do Barcelona.
Despite the end of the award, FIFA announced that for the 2026 season, it will introduce a new award, which retires the name and format of FIFA The Best, and will be held in partnership with Dubai Sports Council.
Official name, dates, new format for the best in the world election have not been revealed, and should be addressed soon by the entity. The commitment is to hold the event in 2026.
The promise is of an innovative format to celebrate the big names of the world football season, both men’s and women’s, as well as prominent names off the field, with additional tributes.
FIFA The Best: check the complete list of award winners
Masculine:
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2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) – Real Madrid
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2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) – Real Madrid
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2018: Luka Modrid (CRO) – Real Madrid
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2019: Lionel Messi (ARG) – Barcelona
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2020: Robert Lewandowski (POL) – Bayern Munich
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2021: Robert Lewandowski (POL) – Bayern Munich
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2022: Lionel Messi – PSG
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2023: Lionel Messi (ARG) – PSG/Inter Miami
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2024: Vini Jr. (BRA) – Real Madrid
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2025: Ousmane Dembélé (FRA) – PSG
Feminine:
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2016: Carli Lloyd (EUA) – Houston Dash
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2017: Lieke Maryens (HOL) – Barcelona
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2018: Marta (BRA) – Orlando Pride
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2019: Megan Rapinoe (USA) – Reign FC
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2020: Lucy Bronze (ING) – City/Barcelona
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2021: Alexia Whores (ESP) – Barcelona
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2022: Alexia Whores (ESP) – Barcelona
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2023: Aintana Bonmatí (ESP) – Barcelona
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2024: Aitana Bonmatí (ESP) – Barcelona
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2025: Aitana Bonmatí (ESP) – Barcelona
