The official shortlist for the inaugural Global Football Industry Awards, in association with The Daily Telegraph, has been revealed. The event will celebrate the most impactful, innovative, and inspiring people, projects, and organisations driving the global game forward.
Taking place in London on Thursday 20 November, the awards will shine a spotlight on excellence across all areas of the football business – from media, technology, and marketing, to leadership, legal, community, and performance. The event aims to recognise and elevate the individuals and organisations working behind the scenes to shape football’s future on and off the pitch.
“The football industry doesn’t get enough recognition – but the Global Football Industry Awards will help change that,” said Ian Wright OBE, who is co-hosting the awards.
The shortlist reflects the breadth and diversity of the football ecosystem. Agencies competing for Agency of the Yearinclude the fast-rising PLG, led by Tyler Alexander-Arnold, alongside established global firms Wasserman, Unique Sports Group, and New Era Global Sports Management.
Some of the world’s biggest brands are also in the running, including Three UK, Amazon, Xero, Google Pixel, Panini, Qatar Airways, McDonald’s, EA Sports, Adidas, SHEIN, and Monzo. all recognised for their innovative investment and partnerships across the football landscape.
Leading broadcasters DAZN, Sky Sports, and TNT Sports have also been shortlisted for their contributions to how football is presented, consumed, and experienced by fans around the world.
The awards also highlight excellence at club level, with nominees including Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Wrexham AFC, Juventus, Manchester City, Barcelona and Brighton & Hove Albion. Each has been recognised for outstanding achievements in fan engagement, international strategy, digital innovation, and community development.
Prominent individuals have also been shortlisted across a range of leadership and impact categories. These include Anna Deignan, Head of Strategic Partnerships at the Premier League; Paul Barber, CEO and Vice-Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion; and Liesel Jolly, Senior Director of Global Sponsorships at VISA.
Elsewhere, legal excellence in the football space is being acknowledged, with firms such as Brabners, RPC, and Lawrence Stephens nominated for their work across sports governance, compliance, and advisory roles.
The Global Football Industry Awards were established to recognise the often-overlooked but critical work that powers the world’s most popular sport. With categories spanning media, law, marketing, tech, performance, and social impact, the awards aim to set a new benchmark for excellence in football’s professional landscape.
The ceremony this November is set to bring together senior leaders, innovators, creatives, and changemakers from across the global football industry, in what promises to be a landmark moment for the business of the beautiful game.