When was fwa 2024

Overview

The Fwa 2024, officially known as the World Football Awards 2024, was a high-profile football ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements across global football during the 2023 season. Organized by the Football Writers' Association in partnership with Saudi authorities, the event brought together top players, coaches, and executives in a two-day celebration of the sport.

Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Fwa 2024 marked a significant moment in the sport's growing internationalization, with increased investment and visibility in Middle Eastern sports events. The awards honored individual and team excellence across men's and women's football, with voting conducted by a global panel of football journalists and analysts.

• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosted the event from February 24–25, 2024, marking the first time the awards were held outside Europe.
• Erling Haaland of Manchester City was named Men's Player of the Year after scoring 27 Premier League goals in the 2023 season.
• Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona and Spain won Women's Player of the Year following her dominant performance in the 2023 Women's World Cup.
• The Best Young Player award went to 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who made 42 appearances for Barcelona and Spain in 2023.
• Carlo Ancelotti received the Manager of the Year honor after leading Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double in 2023.

How It Works

The Fwa 2024 awards followed a structured voting and selection process involving journalists, analysts, and football experts from over 50 countries, ensuring a globally representative outcome.

• Eligibility Period: Performance from January 1 to December 31, 2023, was considered for all individual and team categories. This included domestic leagues, international tournaments, and club competitions.
• Voting Panel: Over 300 accredited football journalists from FIFA-recognized nations participated in the final ballot, each submitting ranked choices in each category.
• Player of the Year: The winner was determined by a weighted vote, with 50% from journalists, 30% from national team captains, and 20% from fan voting via the official Fwa app.
• Women's Football Recognition: A separate panel focused on women's leagues and international play ensured equitable evaluation across all categories.
• Award Categories: A total of 12 awards were presented, including Breakthrough Player, Goal of the Year, and Humanitarian Contribution in Football.
• Transparency: Results were audited by Deloitte, with vote breakdowns published online within 48 hours of the ceremony.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key award categories and winners between Fwa 2024 and the previous edition in 2023:

The table highlights shifts in dominance across clubs and nations, with Spanish and English teams continuing to lead. Notably, Fwa 2024 introduced the Humanitarian Award, reflecting a growing emphasis on social impact in football. The point system, based on a 5-3-1 scale per voter, ensured close races in several categories.

Why It Matters

Fwa 2024 not only celebrated athletic excellence but also underscored football's evolving global landscape, with increased recognition for women's football and off-field contributions. The event's location in Saudi Arabia also signaled a strategic shift in football's geopolitical center of gravity.

• Global Representation: Over 60% of voters came from outside Europe, enhancing the legitimacy and inclusivity of the awards.
• Women's Football Growth: Aitana Bonmatí's win highlighted the rising profile of women's football following record viewership in the 2023 World Cup.
• Saudi Investment: The Kingdom's $40 million sponsorship deal reflects its ambition to become a global sports hub by 2030.
• Young Talent Spotlight: Lamine Yamal's win at age 19 signals a generational shift in elite football.
• Humanitarian Focus: Mohamed Salah won for his $5 million donation to children's hospitals in Egypt and Ghana.
• Media Impact: The ceremony was broadcast in 180 countries, reaching an estimated 85 million viewers worldwide.

As football continues to evolve, events like Fwa 2024 play a crucial role in shaping narratives, recognizing excellence, and expanding the sport's reach across continents and cultures.