Best Soccer Player Award (World, FIFA, UEFA, & More)

If you want to learn about the best soccer player award – this is for you.

Let’s explore one of the most coveted accolades in the world of soccer – the “Best Soccer Player Award”: Ballon D’Or

However, you’ll quickly discover there are many other awards in the world of soccer for different categories, genders, and countries.

From FIFA’s contribution to the sport with the “FIFA Best Player Award” to the recognition of the “Best Women’s Soccer Player Award,” we’ll explore it all.

Whether you’re a soccer enthusiast or someone looking to stay updated on the award for the best soccer player in the world, this article is your ultimate guide to understanding the remarkable accolades and talents that define the beautiful game.

best soccer player award
best soccer player award

What is the best soccer player award?

The prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or

Formerly recognized as the FIFA World Player of the Year, stands as one of the most coveted honors in the realm of soccer. It seeks to identify the paramount best soccer player award, male football player globally, based on their outstanding performance throughout the year.

So, how exactly does the determination process unfold for this illustrious recognition?

Voting Panel: A diverse panel of voters assembles to cast their verdict for the FIFA Ballon d’Or. This panel comprises national team coaches, national team captains, selected journalists, and the coaches of various international teams. Each voting member possesses the privilege to designate their top three choices for the award.

Nominees: A list of esteemed nominees is meticulously compiled, gauged by their performances in an array of competitions, including domestic leagues, international tournaments, and other significant football events.

Voting Process: The heart of the selection process lies in the voters ranking their preferred players. The first choice garners five points, the second choice receives three points, and the third choice is attributed one point.

Calculation: Once all votes are diligently collected and meticulously tallied, the player amassing the highest total points secures the prestigious title of FIFA Ballon d’Or laureate. This accolade is ceremoniously presented to the footballer who commands the most votes, accentuating their exceptional prowess and influence on the global stage.

In addition to the FIFA Ballon d’Or for male players, it is worth noting that an equivalent award, the “FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year,” is bestowed upon the best female football player in the world. Both awards adhere to a parallel selection process to distinguish the finest players in their respective categories.

who won the best soccer player award
who won the best soccer player award

What are the best soccer player awards?

In addition to the FIFA Ballon d’Or there are several other best soccer player awards that are recognized globally. Here’s a list of some of the most prominent ones:

  1. FIFA Ballon d’Or: Previously known as the FIFA World Player of the Year, this award honors the best male football player globally. It was merged with the Ballon d’Or in 2010 and is awarded by France Football.
  2. FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year: This is the female counterpart of the FIFA Ballon d’Or and is awarded to the best female football player in the world.
  3. The Best FIFA Men’s Player: FIFA introduced this award in 2016, honoring the best male player in the world. It includes votes from national team captains, coaches, and journalists.
  4. The Best FIFA Women’s Player: Similar to the men’s award, this recognizes the top female player in the world.
  5. UEFA Men’s Player of the Year: Awarded by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), it honors the best male football player in Europe.
  6. UEFA Women’s Player of the Year: This award recognizes the top female player in European football.
  7. The Golden Foot (Pallone d’Oro): Awarded by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport, this honor goes to the best young player under 21 years old.
  8. PFA Players’ Player of the Year: Presented by the Professional Footballers’ Association, this award is given to the best player in the English Premier League, as voted on by their peers.
  9. PFA Young Player of the Year: Also awarded by the PFA, this accolade goes to the best young player in the English Premier League.
  10. Copa America Best Player: Given to the best player in the Copa America, South America’s premier national team tournament.
  11. AFC Player of the Year: Presented by the Asian Football Confederation, this award goes to the best player in Asian football.
  12. CAF African Player of the Year: Awarded by the Confederation of African Football, this recognizes the top African player in world football.
  13. CONCACAF Player of the Year: Awarded by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, this accolade goes to the best player in the region.
  14. Balón de Oro: This Spanish award is given to the best player in La Liga, Spain’s top division.
  15. Golden Boy Award: Presented by Tuttosport, this honor goes to the best young player under 21 in European football.
  16. Samba Gold Trophy: This award recognizes the best Brazilian player in European football.

These awards celebrate the outstanding talents in the world of soccer and showcase the achievements and contributions of players from various regions and leagues.

world best soccer player award list
world best soccer player award list

Who won the best soccer player award?

Here’s a top 5 list of players who had won the best soccer player award, the FIFA Ballon d’Or (including its previous version, the FIFA World Player of the Year) the most times, along with their respective statistics:

  1. Lionel Messi:
    • Number of Awards: 7
    • Years Won: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021
  2. Cristiano Ronaldo:
    • Number of Awards: 5
    • Years Won: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
  3. Michel Platini:
    • Number of Awards: 3
    • Years Won: 1983, 1984, 1985
  4. Johann Cruyff:
    • Number of Awards: 3
    • Years Won: 1971, 1973, 1974
  5. Marco van Basten:
    • Number of Awards: 3
    • Years Won: 1988, 1989, 1992

Please note that these statistics are accurate up to September 2021, and the number of awards and players’ achievements may have changed since then. It’s a testament to their incredible talent and consistency that these players have achieved such recognition in the world of soccer.

who won the best soccer player award
who won the best soccer player award

Best Women’s Soccer Player Award

Here’s a top 5 list of female players who have excelled in winning the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, along with their respective statistics:

Who has won the women’s best soccer player award?

  1. Marta:
    • Number of Awards: 6
    • Years Won: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018
  2. Birgit Prinz:
    • Number of Awards: 3
    • Years Won: 2003, 2004, 2005
  3. Mia Hamm:
    • Number of Awards: 2
    • Years Won: 2001, 2002
  4. Abby Wambach:
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Year Won: 2012
  5. Homare Sawa:
    • Number of Awards: 1
    • Year Won: 2011

These statistics provide a glimpse into the remarkable achievements of female footballers who have been recognized as the best in the world through the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. Their talent, dedication, and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the global soccer landscape.

Best Women's Soccer Player Award
Best Women’s Soccer Player Award

World Best Soccer Player Award List

Here’s a list of the winners of best soccer player award, the FIFA Ballon d’Or (including the previous FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or) over the last 20 years, up to 2021:

  1. 2002 – Ronaldo (Brazil)
  2. 2003 – Pavel Nedvěd (Czech Republic)
  3. 2004 – Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine)
  4. 2005 – Ronaldinho (Brazil)
  5. 2006 – Fabio Cannavaro (Italy)
  6. 2007 – Kaká (Brazil)
  7. 2008 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
  8. 2009 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
  9. 2010 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
  10. 2011 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
  11. 2012 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
  12. 2013 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
  13. 2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
  14. 2015 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
  15. 2016 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
  16. 2017 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
  17. 2018 – Luka Modrić (Croatia)
  18. 2019 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)
  19. 2020 – Canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  20. 2021 – Lionel Messi (Argentina)

These players have showcased extraordinary talent and consistency in the world of soccer, earning them the title of the best male football player globally during their respective years. Please note that the information provided is accurate up to 2021, and subsequent winners may have emerged since then.

Best Soccer Player Award List
Best Soccer Player Award List

World’s Best Soccer Player Award

In conclusion, the “Best Soccer Player Award,” known by various names like the FIFA Ballon d’Or, the FIFA World Player of the Year, and the Ballon d’Or, remains the pinnacle of recognition in the world of soccer. This accolade honors the world’s best male and female football players, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions to the sport.

As we’ve seen in the world’s best soccer player award list, past winners have showcased exceptional talent, consistency, and dedication. From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Marta and Abby Wambach, these remarkable athletes have left an indelible mark on the soccer landscape.

Best Soccer Player Award – FIFA Live Stream

Whether it’s the “Best Soccer Player of the Year Award” or the “FIFA Best Player Award,” the process of determining the top players on the planet involves a meticulous selection process.

It reflects the brilliance and impact of these athletes on their respective teams, leagues, and international competitions. And let’s not forget the “Best Women’s Soccer Player Award,” which shines a spotlight on the incredible talents of female footballers.

So, whether you’re pondering who won the best soccer player award in a given year or seeking to understand the significance of the “Award for Best Soccer Player in the World,” one thing is clear: these accolades symbolize excellence, inspiration, and the enduring magic of the beautiful game. As the soccer world continues to evolve, these awards will remain a beacon of recognition for the world’s best players.

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About The Author

If you don’t know about me…

I used to be a soccer player who struggled with self-confidence. I felt slow, weak, and unmotivated. My coaches didn’t pay much attention to me, my friends laughed at my lack of skills. At one point, I even became so discouraged that I quit the sport altogether.

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Wishing You Success In Soccer

Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer

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Best Soccer Player Award (World, FIFA, UEFA, & More)

Dylan Tooby

Success should not be judged based on what you achieve but by what you help others achieve. Hopefully, this information will help you. Thank you for reading. Please, leave a comment.