WFS Awards: Recognising professional excellence, celebrating global impact
The WFS Awards recognise the professionals and organisations, in the spotlight and behind the scenes, whose work elevates the game, expands the business, and deepens its impact on society. Created in 2017, they celebrate the people strengthening the industry while honouring the essence and values of the sport. This is where the industry recognises professional excellence and celebrates global impact.
2025
Winners
Honoring the game Changers of Football
Honoring the game
Changers of Football
Every year, 11 remarkable organizations are recognised for their efforts in shaping the future of football.
2026 Categories
2026
Categories
From business innovation to social impact, our categories recognise the professionals and organisations expanding the industry while honouring the essence of the game.
Best Executive by Excel Search & Advisory
The executive who has made a change for the benefit of the institution, has made the most efficient use of its resources and has achieved greater impact according to their capabilities.
Best Digital Transformation Initiative by N3xt Sports
Football rights holders: clubs, federations, and leagues, that have recently gone through a digital transformation process with demonstrated new value generated.
Best Growth Strategy by Deloitte
The company, club or institution which has expanded its business internationally and with a purpose.
Best Women's Football Initiative by Women in Football
The company or institution whose performance or initiative has contributed in an outstanding & relevant way to promote the development & growth of women’s football, on a professional level, achieving notoriety & a certain projection that inspires new generations to practise it & audiences to follow it.
Most Innovative Supplier by SportsTechX
Companies that provide products or services to the football industry, football clubs or sport disciplines.
Best Venue by UN Tourism
Stadiums and sport facilities that have showcased innovation in both technology and design to best address needs of the fans and the club/country.
Football for Good by Common Goal
Clubs, club foundations, institutions, NGO´s or companies that promote social change through football.
Eli Wolff Football Without Limits by Integrated Dreams
This WFS Award looks to applaud, cherish and gain inspiration from companies, clubs, federations that have provided support to the inclusion and visibility of disabled people in our society, specifically in sports, by means of any initiative, technology, marketing campaign, innovative solution.
Marcus Rashford Award by FIFPRO
An Award created to reaffirm the legacy of Marcus Rashford MBE’s child food poverty campaigning, is directed to athletes, executives, and organisation employees who have championed programs and actions that have a positive impact in their communities and driving positive societal change.
Most Impactful Branding Initiative by Summa
This Award recognizes companies, clubs, or individuals who have demonstrated exceptional brand management or executed a successful branding initiative within the football industry.
Woman in Leadership by Women in Soccer
This award recognizes a woman leader whose exceptional performance or initiative has made a significant and lasting contribution to the advancement and growth of football. The recipient will be someone whose work has achieved notable visibility and impact, inspiring new audiences to support the game. This award seeks to reward those who are not only leaders in their field but also catalysts for positive change, paving the way for future generations
The Inspiring Spirit of the Journey Award by Turkish Airlines
From a small island in the Pacific to the grandest stages of world football, tonight’s honoree has shown that true greatness is not about where the journey begins, but how far the spirit can go. His story is one of courage, humility, and connection — bridging cultures, uniting people, and inspiring hearts across continents.This award celebrates a man whose life reminds us that every journey has the power to bring the world closer together.
Jury Members StartCup 2025
Jury Members
StartCup 2025
Ahmed
Abdulghaffar
Ahmed
Abdulghaffar
Lara
Ammar
Lara
Ammar
Chad
Biagini
Chad
Biagini
Fernando
Carro
Fernando
Carro
Chris
Gerstle
Chris
Gerstle
Esteban
González
Esteban
González
Jürgen
Griesbeck
Jürgen
Griesbeck
Karla
Hernández Valdez
Karla
Hernández Valdez
Ebru
Koksal
Ebru
Koksal
Tomasz
Kowalczyk
Tomasz
Kowalczyk
A Career Honouring the Essence of the Game presented by Senn Ferrero
Recognises the footballer whose career has exemplified excellence on the pitch while honouring the essence of the game through conduct, integrity, and lasting impact on football culture. Applications are not accepted for this category.
Best Digital Transformation Initiative by N3xt Sports
Recognises organizations across the football ecosystem that have successfully executed a digital transformation initiative, using technology or data to strategically improve their operations, fan engagement, or commercial performance.
Best Executive by Excel Search & Advisory
Recognises the executive who has delivered measurable impact through strategic decisions, efficient resource management, and organisational transformation.
Best Fan-Centric Initiative presented by Goodform by YouFirst
Recognises the initiative or campaign, that went beyond traditional fan engagement to genuinely place fans’ interests at the heart of the organisation — acknowledging them as integral to the game.
Best Gender Equality Initiative presented by Women in Football
Recognises an initiative driven by leaders, institutions, brands, or properties that has contributed significantly to advancing gender equality in football, creating measurable impact and inspiring meaningful change.
Best Growth Strategy by Deloitte
Recognises the company or institution that has successfully expanded its business internationally and/or into new sectors within the football ecosystem.
Best Stadium Experience by Stadium DB
Recognises stadium developers, clubs, organisations or fan groups that have contributed to delivering an exceptional matchday experience, combining atmosphere, innovation, and accessibility to honour the essence of football while setting new standards for stadium culture.
Eli Wolff Football Without Limits by Integrated Dreams
This award recognises companies, clubs, and federations that have advanced the inclusion and visibility of disabled people in sport through initiatives, technology, campaigns, or innovative solutions.
Football for Good by Common Goal
Recognises clubs, foundations, institutions, NGOs, or companies that drive meaningful social change through football.
Most Innovative Supplier by SportsTechX
Recognises companies delivering innovative products or services to the football and sports industry, demonstrating clear value through implementation and results.
Woman in Leadership by Women in Soccer
Recognises the woman leader whose performance or initiative has made a significant and lasting contribution to the advancement of football, achieving notable impact and inspiring future generations.