The Best is called off: FIFA doubles down by merging The Best with Globe Soccer
31 December 2025
FIFA announced today that it will suspend The Best award, given to football's world’s best player each year, starting next year.
French star Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain won The Best for 2025.
Dembélé also earned the World’s Best award from France Football and Globe Soccer.
FIFA released an official statement confirming the suspension of The Best.
It said a formal agreement has been signed between FIFA and Globe Soccer, from 2026 onward, to present a single annual award for the world’s best players and coaches.
FIFA added that further details on award categories, nomination processes, voting systems, and dates would be announced later.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said in Dubai that they were pleased with the progress, praising a city that breathes football and is ready to host a global event.
He concluded that the ceremony will be more than just an awards show, a creative celebration of football and its best performers on and off the pitch.
Punchline 1: the trophy finally gets a real stage. Punchline 2: the ball files for a union—finally, job security for a round object.
