FIFA World Player of the Year Winners

Award Overview

The FIFA World Player of the Year is one of the most prominent awards in international football. It recognizes the unique genius of players who have excelled throughout the year. The award was first granted in 1991, and soon rose to prominence as a standard for greatness in world football. Players like Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário, and Cristiano Ronaldo have cemented their position in football history by winning the trophy numerous times.  

It's worth noting that before being restored as a component of The Best FIFA Football Awards, the prize underwent significant changes over time, including its merging with the Ballon d'Or from 2010 to 2015.

Since 2004, FIFA has used a shortlist system for its top player awards, with nominees selected by FIFA experts before votes are cast by national team captains, coaches, and journalists. This structure was designed to balance input from players, managers, and the media, ensuring broader representation in the decision-making process.

Statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in the harbour of his hometown, Funchal, Madeira

Complete List of Winners (1991-2024)

The following table presents the complete chronological list of FIFA World Player of the Year winners from the award's inception through the most recent 2024 ceremony. The award underwent a significant transformation from 2010 to 2015 when it merged with the Ballon d'Or to create the FIFA Ballon d'Or, before separating again in 2016.

Statistical Analysis

Notable Achievements and Records

The 2023 Tiebreaker

The 2023 award ceremony featured a historic moment when Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland both received exactly 48 points in the initial voting. According to FIFA regulations, a tiebreaker was required, with the winner determined by which player received more points from national team captains. Messi ultimately prevailed to claim his eighth award.

Evolution of the Award

The FIFA Ballon d'Or Era (2010-2015)

From 2010 to 2015, FIFA and France Football magazine merged their respective awards to create the FIFA Ballon d'Or. This collaboration combined the voting mechanisms of both awards, bringing together national team captains, coaches, and international journalists in a unified voting process. During these six years, the award alternated between just two players: Lionel Messi (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2013, 2014).

The Separation and Modern Era (2016-Present)

In 2016, FIFA and France Football ended their partnership, with each organization returning to their separate awards. FIFA rebranded their award as "The Best FIFA Men's Player," while the Ballon d'Or returned to its traditional format. Despite the separation, both awards have often recognized the same player, with Cristiano Ronaldo winning both in 2016 and 2017, and the awards diverging for the first time in 2018 when Luka Modrić won the FIFA award while the Ballon d'Or went to Modrić as well.

Voting Process Evolution

The voting process has undergone significant refinements since 2004:

• 1991-2003: National team coaches and captains voted for the winner from an open field of candidates
• 2004-2009: Introduction of a 35-player shortlist, with votes from national team captains, coaches, and journalists.
• 2010-2015: During the FIFA Ballon d'Or era, media representatives were added to the voting panel
• 2016-Present: The current format includes equal weighting between four voting groups: national team captains, national team coaches, media representatives, and online fan voting

Frequently Asked Questions