The WFS Honors: The gala that kicks off the future of football
The World Football Summit Honors celebrates the talent, passion, and dedication of sports business professionals who are shaping the football industry we need.
Honoring the
Game Changers of Football
Every year, 7 remarkable organizations are recognized for their efforts in shaping the future of football.
DIRIYAH WFS Honors 2024 Winners
Changing the business of football and enhancing its social impact
Honor for Impactful Social Change
Winner: Abdullah Alothaim
Recognizing individuals who drive meaningful transformation through football, this honor was awarded to Abdullah Alothaim for his outstanding dedication to creating opportunities and fostering positive change across communities through the power of the sport.
Honor for Best Content Creator
Winner: ‘Abdullah Alayyadah – Where is Messi
This award celebrates creators pushing boundaries in football storytelling. Abdullah Alayyadah’s Where is Messi project captured the imagination of fans worldwide, blending creativity, passion, and digital culture to build one of the sport’s most engaging content movements.
WFS Championing Maternal Health
Winner: FC Mother
Awarded to those using football to address critical social issues, this honor recognized FC Mother for leading a powerful campaign that connects football to maternal health, raising awareness and support for mothers and caregivers through bold, meaningful initiatives.
Honor for Innovation
Winner: Sela x Newcastle United
This recognition highlights groundbreaking ideas reshaping the football industry. The collaboration between Sela and Newcastle United was awarded for redefining fan experience through innovation, technology, and purpose-driven stadium transformation.
Honor for Pioneering Women’s Football Success
Winner: Monika Staab – Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)
Presented to a trailblazer in the women’s game, this honor recognized Monika Staab’s historic role in building Saudi Arabia’s women’s football from the ground up—creating a pathway that empowers young players and redefines what’s possible in the region.
Honor for Football for Good
Winner: FIFA Foundation
Celebrating football’s power to uplift, this award honored the FIFA Foundation for its global efforts in using the game as a tool for social development, education, and humanitarian support—bringing hope and structure to communities in need.
Honor for Excellence in Next-Gen Football Development
Winner: 015 Academy
Recognizing outstanding work with emerging talent, this honor was awarded to 015 Academy for its forward-thinking approach to youth development, blending elite training, personal growth, and innovation to shape the footballers of tomorrow.
