IFFHS World Football Awards: Celebrating the Greatest Players, Clubs, and Coaches
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), established in 1984, serves as the definitive record-keeper for the beautiful game. By analyzing performance data and historical impact, the IFFHS recognizes the most outstanding achievements in football, from the legendary icons of the 19th century to the modern superstars dominating the pitch today.
Key Facts
- Real Madrid and Barcelona are the most successful men's clubs, each winning the World's Best Club award ten times.
- Lionel Messi holds the record for the most IFFHS Best Playmaker awards (5).
- Cristiano Ronaldo is recognized as the Best Goal Scorer in History and has been the Top Goal Scorer of the Year five times.
- Pelé is ranked as the Male Player of the Century (1901–2000).
- Lyon dominates the women's game with seven World's Best Club awards.
- Pierluigi Collina holds the record for the most World's Best Referee wins (6).
The Pinnacle of Club Success
Club excellence is measured not just by single trophies, but by sustained dominance. In the men's category, Real Madrid and Barcelona stand atop the mountain. Real Madrid was specifically honored as the European club of the 20th century.
Regional dominance is also tracked through decade-based awards. For instance, Boca Juniors was named the South American team of the decade from 2001 to 2010, while the Premier League was recognized as the Strongest National League of the Decade during that same period.
In women's football, Lyon has set a staggering benchmark with seven wins as the World's Best Club, followed closely by Barcelona with five titles.
Individual Brilliance: Players and Goal Scorers
The IFFHS tracks individual greatness across different eras. While Pelé is the Male Player of the Century (1901–2000) and Mia Hamm is the Female Player of the Century, the modern era has been defined by the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Recent years have seen Robert Lewandowski and Alexia Putellas claim multiple Best Player awards, reflecting their dominance in the 2020s.
The Art of Playmaking and Goalkeeping
Beyond scoring, the IFFHS honors the architects of the game. Lionel Messi has won a record five best playmaker awards, while Xavi achieved a record four consecutive wins. In the women's game, Aitana Bonmatí has secured the title for three consecutive years.
![Lionel Messi has won a record five IFFHS best playmaker awards.[112]](/images/d7/92/d792f6eafd5173c788019b79d12765765871c2201c938f03f1308923921a622e.jpg)
Defensive excellence is highlighted through the Best Goalkeeper award. Iker Casillas, Gianluigi Buffon, and Manuel Neuer are tied with five wins each, though Casillas is the only one to win five consecutively (2008–2012).
Goal Scoring Records
Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time leader in the World's Best Goal Scorer ranking with 973 goals. Other legendary figures like Romário (756 goals) and Ferenc Puskás also feature prominently in the all-time rankings.
In women's football, Jenni Hermoso and Charlyn Corral have set high marks for goals scored in a single year, with Corral dominating the top division scoring charts in recent years.
Youth and Future Stars
The IFFHS identifies the next generation of talent through the World Best Youth (U20) Player awards. Jude Bellingham and Vicky López have both distinguished themselves by winning the award twice.
Some players show exceptional consistency at the youth level; Linda Caicedo is the only player to appear five times in the Women's World Youth (U20) Team.
Coaching and Officiating Excellence
![Lionel Messi has won the award a record four times.[112]](/images/72/78/7278ec835cd874916c84dcbd8f6a05eb6b7c3331f5cc2f777ea0a2c21d227a76.jpg)
Success on the pitch is often the result of strategic brilliance. José Mourinho is a standout, having been named World's Best Club Coach with three different clubs: Porto, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
In the women's game, Sonia Bompastor made history as the first person to win the UEFA Women's Champions League as both a player and a manager. On the international stage, Sarina Wiegman has been a dominant force, winning Best National Coach for both the Netherlands and England.
The officials who maintain the game's integrity are also recognized. Stéphanie Frappart has dominated the women's refereeing awards for five consecutive years, while Pierluigi Collina remains the most decorated male referee.
Historical Summary of Excellence
The following table summarizes some of the most prestigious all-time and century-based honors awarded by the IFFHS.
| Category | Honoree | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Male Player of the Century | Pelé | Rank 1 (1705 points) |
| Female Player of the Century | Mia Hamm | Rank 1 (442 points) |
| Male Player of the 19th Century | Gilbert Oswald Smith | Rank 1 |
| All-time Best Player (2025) | Lionel Messi | Rank 1 |
| Best Goal Scorer in History | Cristiano Ronaldo | 973 Goals |
| European Club of the 20th Century | Real Madrid | Continental Winner |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the greatest male player of the 20th century according to IFFHS?
Pelé is ranked as the World's Best Man Player of the Century (1901–2000) with 1,705 points.
Which clubs have won the World's Best Club award the most?
Real Madrid and Barcelona are the most successful, with ten wins each.
Who holds the record for the most IFFHS Best Playmaker awards?
Lionel Messi holds the record with five awards, followed by Xavi with four.
Who is the most successful female club in the IFFHS rankings?
Lyon is the most successful women's club, having won the World's Best Club award seven times.
Which referee has won the most World's Best Referee awards?
Pierluigi Collina has won the award a record six times.