SOCCER: Dubai to host FIFA Best Awards next year

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Monday that Dubai will host the FIFA Best Awards ceremony next year.

The awards recognize the top men’s and women’s players, coaches, and teams, as determined by votes from fans, media representatives, team captains, and national team coaches.

“I can announce here a new partnership we have closed together to honor the best players, coaches, and teams, here in Dubai,” Infantino said at the World Sports Summit in the city.

“We have enjoyed the sport, and now we will enjoy even more the unity the sport brings to the entire world,” he added.

At the 2025 edition in Doha, French forward Ousmane Dembele was named Men’s Player of the Year, while Spain’s midfielder Aitana Bonmati took home the Women’s Player award.

-Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters