The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019: Celebrating Global Excellence
On 23 September 2019, the football world converged at the prestigious Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy, for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019. Hosted by Ruud Gullit and Ilaria D'Amico, the ceremony honored the most outstanding players, coaches, and moments from the previous year. The event was attended by legendary figures of the game, including Marco Van Basten, Fabio Capello, and Carles Puyol.
The 2019 edition was particularly notable for expanding its recognition of the sport, introducing two new awards to further celebrate the growth and impact of women's football.
Key Facts
- Date: 23 September 2019
- Location: Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy
- Men's Best Player: Lionel Messi (46 rank points)
- Women's Best Player: Megan Rapinoe (46 rank points)
- Men's Best Coach: Jürgen Klopp (48 rank points)
- Women's Best Coach: Jill Ellis (48 rank points)
- Puskás Award Winner: Dániel Zsóri
The Best FIFA Players and Coaches
Men's Category
Lionel Messi claimed the title of The Best FIFA Men's Player, based on achievements between 16 July 2018 and 19 July 2019. In the coaching category, Jürgen Klopp of Liverpool took the top honor with 48 points, beating out Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino.
The goalkeeping award went to Alisson, who finished first with 45 points, followed by Marc-André ter Stegen and Ederson.
Women's Category
Megan Rapinoe was named The Best FIFA Women's Player, reflecting her dominance during the period from 25 May 2018 to 7 July 2019. The coaching award was presented to Jill Ellis of the United States, who secured 48 rank points.
Sari van Veenendaal was recognized as the best goalkeeper, leading a trio of finalists that included Christiane Endler and Hedvig Lindahl.
Special Awards and Recognition
The FIFA Puskás Award
The FIFA Puskás Award, which recognizes the most aesthetically significant or unexpected goal of the year, was won by Dániel Zsóri for his strike in the match between Debrecen and Ferencváros. The winner was determined by a combination of a public vote from registered FIFA.com users and a final decision by a panel of ten FIFA experts.
Fair Play and Fan Awards
The FIFA Fair Play Award was granted to Marcelo Bielsa and the Leeds United squad. This was awarded after Bielsa ordered his team to allow opponents Aston Villa to score a goal after Leeds had scored while an opposition player was injured.
The FIFA Fan Award, celebrating the best fan gestures from September 2018 to September 2019, was won by Silvia Grecco with 58% of the vote for her dedication to Palmeiras matches.
FIFA FIFPRO World11
The FIFA FIFPRO World11 represents the ultimate team of the year as voted by professional players. In 2019, the Men's World11 featured a strong presence from Real Madrid and Liverpool, with Alisson in goal and a forward line consisting of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi.
For the first time, the Women's World11 was revealed during the ceremony. The squad featured Sari van Veenendaal in goal, with a formidable attack led by Marta, Alex Morgan, and Megan Rapinoe.
| Award Category | Men's Winner | Women's Winner |
|---|---|---|
| The Best FIFA Player | Lionel Messi | Megan Rapinoe |
| The Best FIFA Coach | Jürgen Klopp | Jill Ellis |
| The Best FIFA Goalkeeper | Alisson | Sari van Veenendaal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the FIFA Puskás Award in 2019?
Dániel Zsóri won the award for his goal scored during the Debrecen vs. Ferencváros match on 16 February 2019.
What was the selection period for the Men's Player of the Year?
The achievements considered for the men's player award took place between 16 July 2018 and 19 July 2019.
Why did Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United win the Fair Play Award?
They were honored for allowing Aston Villa to score a goal after Leeds had scored while an opposing player was injured.
Who was the top-voted fan for the FIFA Fan Award?
Silvia Grecco won the award with 58% of the vote for her support during Palmeiras matches.
Which players made the 2019 Men's FIFPRO World11 forward line?
The forwards selected for the Men's World11 were Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi.