Recognising the vital contributions of those behind the players on the pitch, the inaugural 2025 Global Football Industry Awards celebrated the figures making the game’s biggest deals and innovations.
Hosted by former England stars and Liverpool teammates Peter Crouch and Jamie Carragher, the ceremony at the Landmark Hotel in London on Thursday Nov 20, brought together senior representatives from clubs, global brands, agencies, and governing bodies.
Backed by headline partners Panini, WSC Sports, SHEIN, and Sportradar, the event reflects the sport’s global reach and commercial clout and is likely to become a key date in the football calendar.
Entain, one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups, and Adidas were crowned joint winners of the Grassroots Initiative of the Year award while Skechers claimed the Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility prize.
Rising star Christina Taylor, founder and chief executive of Aim Sky High Talent, was recognised for her impact on the industry while the Premier League received the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award.
Brighton & Hove Albion was celebrated for Best Fan Engagement and other winners included Juventus, Ecotricity, Sport Five, DAZN, Sky Bet, AXA, Guinness, PLG, Unique Sports Group, and Iberdrola/ScottishPower, highlighting football’s vast ecosystem.
A particularly poignant moment came when world-renowned agent Jorge Mendes was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in football, Mendes has steered the careers of global icons including Cristiano Ronaldo and José Mourinho, shaping the modern game in ways few others can claim. His recognition underscored the awards’ mission: to celebrate the influential figures whose work often goes unseen but touches millions of fans worldwide.
The Global Football Industry Awards is the first-ever international ceremony dedicated to recognising the visionaries, innovators, and unsung heroes whose work powers the sport. Preparations are already underway for the 2026 edition, which organisers say will expand international categories to reflect the sport’s continuing global growth.
Full list of 2025 winners
Grassroots Initiative of the Year (Joint Winners): Entain, Adidas
Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Skechers
Football Industry Rising Star Award: Christina Taylor
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award: Premier League
Best Breakthrough Business: Destination Sport
Best Fan Engagement: Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Legal/Professional Services Team of the Year: RPC
Sustainable Game Award (Joint Winners): Juventus FC, Ecotricity
Global Football Business of the Year: Sport Five
Best Social Media Campaign: DAZN x TikTok
Agency of the Year (Joint Winners): PLG, Unique Sports Group
Broadcast or Media Team of the Year: DAZN
Sponsorship or Partnership of the Year: Guinness x The Premier League
Game-Changer Award: Sharon Brittan
Football Industry Leader: Michael Williamson
Best Marketing Campaign: Sky Bet
Women’s Football Impact Award: Iberdrola / ScottishPower
Brand of the Year: AXA
Corporate Football Trailblazer: Liesel Jolly, VISA
Lifetime Achievement Award: Jorge Mendes