Men’s World Player of the Year Awards Winners: World Soccer is a football magazine that’s published in English by a Kelsey Media company. It started back in 1960 and is the oldest football magazine that’s been continuously published in the United Kingdom. The magazine mainly focuses on international football. Some of the writers who regularly contribute to it are Brian Glanville, Keir Radnedge, Sid Lowe, and Tim Vickery. World Soccer is part of a group of similar magazines from Europe, and they choose a European “Team of the Month” and a European “Team of the Year” together.
Starting in 1982, World Soccer has also been giving out awards like “Player of the Year,” “Manager of the Year,” and “Team of the Year.”
World Soccer (Magazine)
Men’s World Player of the Year Awards Winners
| Year | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Paolo Rossi (ITA) (23%) | Juventus |
| 1983 | Zico (BRA) (28%) | Udinese Calcio |
| 1984 | Michel Platini (FRA) (54%) | Juventus |
| 1985 | Michel Platini (FRA) (21%) | Juventus |
| 1986 | Diego Maradona (ARG) (36%) | S.S.C. Napoli |
| 1987 | Ruud Gullit (NED) (39%) | A.C. Milan |
| 1988 | Marco van Basten (NED) (43%) | A.C. Milan |
| 1989 | Ruud Gullit (NED) (24%) | A.C. Milan |
| 1990 | Lothar Matthäus (GER) (22%) | Inter Milan |
| 1991 | Jean-Pierre Papin (FRA) (25%) | Olympique de Marseille |
| 1992 | Marco van Basten (NED) (19%) | A.C. Milan |
| 1993 | Roberto Baggio (ITA) (14%) | Juventus |
| 1994 | Paolo Maldini (ITA) (27%) | A.C. Milan |
| 1995 | Gianluca Vialli (ITA) (18%) | Juventus |
| 1996 | Ronaldo (BRA) (17%) | FC Barcelona |
| 1997 | Ronaldo (BRA) (27%) | FC Barcelona & Italy Inter Milan |
| 1998 | Zinedine Zidane (FRA) (23%) | Juventus |
| 1999 | Rivaldo (BRA) (42%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2000 | Luís Figo (POR) (26%) | FC Barcelona & Spain Real Madrid |
| 2001 | Michael Owen (ENG) (31%) | Liverpool F.C. |
| 2002 | Ronaldo (BRA) (26%) | Inter Milan & Spain Real Madrid |
| 2003 | Pavel Nedvěd (CZE) (36%) | Juventus |
| 2004 | Ronaldinho (BRA) (29%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2005 | Ronaldinho (BRA) (39%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2006 | Fabio Cannavaro (ITA) (40%) | Juventus & Spain Real Madrid |
| 2007 | Kaká (BRA) (52%) | A.C. Milan |
| 2008 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) (48.4%) | Manchester United |
| 2009 | Lionel Messi (ARG) (43.2%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2010 | Xavi (ESP) (25.8%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2011 | Lionel Messi (ARG) (60.2%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2012 | Lionel Messi (ARG) (47.33%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2013 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | Real Madrid |
| 2014 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | Real Madrid |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi (ARG) | FC Barcelona |
| 2016 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | Real Madrid |
| 2017 | Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) | Real Madrid |
| 2018 | Luka Modrić (CRO) | Real Madrid |
| 2019 | Lionel Messi (ARG) | FC Barcelona |
| 2020 | Robert Lewandowski (POL) | Bayern Munich |
| 2021 | Robert Lewandowski (POL) | Bayern Munich |
| 2022 | Lionel Messi (ARG) | Paris Saint-Germain |
The Players With Most World Player of the Year Awards Wins
The Player of the Year award from World Soccer magazine is a very important honor in football. Not many players have won it more than once, and only two players have won it more than four times. Those two exceptional players are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. They both hold the record for winning the award six and five times, respectively.
Messi and Ronaldo are considered two of the greatest footballers ever. Now, let’s take a closer look at the players who have won the most World Player of the Year awards.
1. Lionel Messi
- Country: (ARG)
- All-time Wins: 6 (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2022)
Lionel Messi holds the record for the most World Player of the Year awards, with a total of 6. He secured this honor in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2022.
Messi is widely considered one of the greatest footballers in history, and his accomplishments are outstanding. He has received numerous other individual and team awards during his career, including a remarkable seven Ballon d’Or awards, six European Golden Shoes, and an impressive ten La Liga titles. Additionally, he played a crucial role in Argentina’s victories in the Copa America in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Messi’s exceptional talent and his record-breaking number of World Player of the Year awards are well-deserved recognition of his remarkable achievements in the world of football.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Country: (POR)
- All-time Wins: 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most accomplished footballers in history, and he’s right behind Lionel Messi in terms of World Player of the Year awards, with a total of 5. He secured this honor in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
Ronaldo is known for his remarkable goal-scoring ability and exceptional dribbling skills, and he has consistently performed at the highest level for more than ten years.
His list of achievements includes five Ballon d’Or awards, four European Golden Shoes, and numerous titles in England, Spain, and Italy. He also played a crucial role in Portugal’s victory in the UEFA European Championship in 2016.
3. Ronaldo
- Country: (BRA)
- All-time Wins: 3 (1996, 1997, 2002)
Ronaldo Nazario, also known as Ronaldo “O Fenômeno” (The Phenomenon), is considered one of the greatest footballers ever. He earned the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times, in 1996, 1997, and 2002.
Ronaldo possessed exceptional qualities, including incredible speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability. He was also a highly intelligent player and had a talent for scoring crucial goals in important matches.
His career was filled with success, winning league titles in Brazil, Spain, and Italy. He also claimed the UEFA Champions League title twice, in 1998 and 2002. Ronaldo played a pivotal role in Brazil’s World Cup victories in 1994 and 2002.
Ronaldo’s impact on football was extraordinary, and his legacy will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.
| Rank | Player | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Michel Platini (FRA) | 2 |
| – | Ruud Gullit (NED) | 2 |
| – | Marco van Basten (NED) | 2 |
| – | Ronaldinho (BRA) | 2 |
| – | Robert Lewandowski (POL) | 2 |
| 9 | Paolo Rossi (ITA) | 1 |
| – | Zico (BRA) | 1 |
| – | Diego Maradona (ARG) | 1 |
| – | Lothar Matthäus (GER) | 1 |
| – | Jean-Pierre Papin (FRA) | 1 |
| – | Roberto Baggio (ITA) | 1 |
| – | Paolo Maldini (ITA) | 1 |
| – | Gianluca Vialli (ITA) | 1 |
| – | Zinedine Zidane (FRA) | 1 |
| – | Rivaldo (BRA) | 1 |
| – | Luís Figo (POR) | 1 |
| – | Michael Owen (ENG) | 1 |
| – | Pavel Nedvěd (CZE) | 1 |
| – | Fabio Cannavaro (ITA) | 1 |
| – | Kaká (BRA) | 1 |
| – | Xavi (ESP) | 1 |
| – | Luka Modrić (CRO) |
Countries With Most Men’s World Player of the Year Awards Wins
Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, and Italy are the countries that have achieved the most victories in the World Player of the Year awards. These nations have produced some of the greatest footballers in history, and their consistent success in these individual awards highlights the strength of their footballing traditions.
Brazil leads the way with 8 wins, making it the most successful country at these awards. Argentina follows closely with 7 wins, while Portugal and Italy have 6 and 5 wins, respectively. France holds the fifth spot with 4 wins.
These countries have all excelled at the FIFA World Cup, with Brazil and Italy winning it 5 and 4 times, Argentina clinching it 3 times, and France earning the trophy twice. Their dominance on the international stage is mirrored by their achievements at the individual level.
| Rank | Country | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 8 |
| 2 | Argentina | 7 |
| 3 | Portugal | 6 |
| 4 | Italy | 5 |
| 5 | France | 4 |
| 6 | Netherlands | 4 |
| 7 | Poland | 2 |
| 8 | Germany | 1 |
| 9 | Czech Republic | 1 |
| 10 | England | 1 |
| 11 | Spain | 1 |
| 12 | Croatia | 1 |
Leagues With Most Men’s World Player of the Year Awards Wins
The following leagues have produced the most winners of the FIFA World Player of the Year award:
| Rank | League | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Liga (SPA) | 20 |
| 2 | Serie A (ITA) | 19 |
| 3 | Premier League (ENG) | 2 |
| 4 | Bundesliga (GER) | 2 |
| 5 | Ligue 1 (FRA) | 2 |
La Liga has seen the most winners of the World Player of the Year award, with a total of 20 victories. This is attributed to the league’s long-standing reputation as one of the most competitive in the world, featuring numerous top-tier teams and exceptional players.
Serie A comes in second with 19 wins, while the English Premier League and the Bundesliga share third place with 2 wins each. These statistics reflect the strength and competitiveness of these football leagues on the global stage.
Men’s World Manager of the Year
| Year | Manager | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Enzo Bearzot (ITA) (49%) | Italy |
| 1983 | Sepp Piontek (GER) (29%) | Denmark |
| 1984 | Michel Hidalgo (FRA) (30%) | France |
| 1985 | Terry Venables (ENG) (30%) | FC Barcelona |
| 1986 | Guy Thys (BEL) (15%) | Belgium |
| 1987 | Johan Cruijff (NED) (25%) | Ajax Amsterdam |
| 1988 | Rinus Michels (NED) (48%) | Germany Bayer Leverkusen |
| 1989 | Arrigo Sacchi (ITA) (42%) | AC Milan |
| 1990 | Franz Beckenbauer (GER) (53%) | Germany |
| 1991 | Michel Platini (FRA) (42%) | France |
| 1992 | Richard Møller-Nielsen (DEN) (28%) | Denmark |
| 1993 | Alex Ferguson (SCO) (21%) | Manchester United |
| 1994 | Carlos Alberto Parreira (BRA) (17%) | Brazil |
| 1995 | Louis van Gaal (NED) (42%) | Ajax Amsterdam |
| 1996 | Berti Vogts (GER) (28%) | Germany |
| 1997 | Ottmar Hitzfeld (GER) (17%) | Borussia Dortmund |
| 1998 | Arsène Wenger (FRA) (28%) | Arsenal |
| 1999 | Alex Ferguson (SCO) (60%) | Manchester United |
| 2000 | Dino Zoff (ITA) (18%) | Italy |
| 2001 | Gérard Houllier (FRA) (28%) | Liverpool F.C. |
| 2002 | Guus Hiddink (NED) (28%) | South Korea |
| 2003 | Carlo Ancelotti (ITA) (20%) | A.C. Milan |
| 2004 | José Mourinho (POR) (36%) | FC Porto & England Chelsea |
| 2005 | José Mourinho (POR) (34.1%) | Chelsea |
| 2006 | Marcello Lippi (ITA) (36%) | Italy |
| 2007 | Alex Ferguson (SCO) (26%) | Manchester United |
| 2008 | Alex Ferguson (SCO) (38%) | Manchester United |
| 2009 | Pep Guardiola (ESP) (62.1%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2010 | José Mourinho (POR) (48.3%) | Inter Milan & Spain Real Madrid |
| 2011 | Pep Guardiola (ESP) (33.1%) | FC Barcelona |
| 2012 | Vicente del Bosque (ESP) (28.49%) | Spain |
| 2013 | Jupp Heynckes (GER) | Bayern Munich |
| 2014 | Joachim Löw (GER) | Germany |
| 2015 | Luis Enrique (ESP) | FC Barcelona |
| 2016 | Claudio Ranieri (ITA) | Leicester City |
| 2017 | Zinedine Zidane (FRA) | Real Madrid |
| 2018 | Didier Deschamps (FRA) | France |
| 2019 | Jürgen Klopp (GER) | Liverpool F.C. |
| 2020 | Hansi Flick (GER) | Bayern Munich |
| 2021 | Roberto Mancini (ITA) | Italy |
| 2022 | Lionel Scaloni (ARG) | Argentina |
The Managers With Most Manager of the Year Awards Wins
Several managers have received the Manager of the Year award on multiple occasions, but only a select few have managed to achieve this feat more than three times. These managers are considered among the very best, and their success underscores their tactical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to bring out the best in their teams.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who had a legendary career at Manchester United, is the most successful manager in the history of the Premier League. He secured the Manager of the Year award four times during his tenure.
Pep Guardiola, known for his innovative tactics and success, earned the Manager of the Year award twice during his time with Barcelona.
Jose Mourinho, who has achieved success with some of the biggest clubs worldwide, has been honored with the Manager of the Year award three times.
These managers are true masters of their profession, possessing a profound understanding of the game. They excel at motivating and inspiring their players to deliver their best performances.
The following managers have won the Manager of the Year award more than three times:
1. Alex Ferguson
- Country: (SCO)
- All-time Wins: 4 (1993, 1999, 2007, and 2008)
Sir Alex Ferguson stands as the most successful manager in the history of the Premier League, and he’s also the manager with the most Manager of the Year awards, having won it four times during his tenure at Manchester United in 1993, 1999, 2007, and 2008.
Ferguson’s remarkable success in the Manager of the Year awards mirrors his incredible career with Manchester United. He achieved an impressive tally of 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles with the club. Under his leadership, Manchester United became one of the most successful and formidable clubs globally.
Ferguson’s managerial approach centered on discipline, hard work, and an attacking style of football. He was a master motivator and strategist, consistently getting the best out of his players. Additionally, his astute dealings in the transfer market played a crucial role in building some of the most triumphant teams in Premier League history.
Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the history of football.
2. José Mourinho
- Country: (POR)
- All-time Wins: 3 (2004, 2005, and 2010)
José Mourinho is a highly successful and renowned manager in football history. He’s earned trophies with some of the biggest clubs globally, including Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. Mourinho has also been honored with the Manager of the Year award three times, in 2004, 2005, and 2010.
Mourinho’s managerial approach emphasizes discipline, organization, and an attacking style of play. He excels at motivating and strategizing, consistently bringing out the best in his players. In addition, he’s known for his astute dealings in the transfer market, contributing to the creation of some of the most prosperous teams in recent memory.
While Mourinho can be a controversial figure, there’s no denying his exceptional success and influence in the world of football. His three Manager of the Year awards are a testament to his greatness.
Furthermore, Mourinho boasts an impressive record of winning the UEFA Champions League twice, the UEFA Europa League twice, and the UEFA Super Cup twice. He is one of only two managers to have achieved victories in all three of Europe’s major club competitions.
3. Pep Guardiola
- Country: (ESP)
- All-time Wins: 2 (2009, 2011)
Pep Guardiola is known as one of the most innovative and successful managers in the world of football. He has achieved remarkable success with some of the biggest clubs globally, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Guardiola has also been honored with the Manager of the Year award three times, in 2011, 2018, and 2022.
Guardiola is a visionary manager who has revolutionized the way the game is played. He holds a prominent position as one of the most influential managers globally, and his three Manager of the Year awards.
Additionally, Guardiola’s trophy cabinet includes two UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Europa League victory, and three UEFA Super Cup triumphs. He has also earned the prestigious FIFA World Coach of the Year award twice.
Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the history of football. His consistent success at the highest level, along with his three Manager of the Year awards, underscores his greatness in the managerial world.
Countries With Most Manager of the Year Awards Wins
Germany, Italy, and France have been particularly successful at the Manager of the Year awards, showcasing their strong footballing traditions and the production of top-class managers.
Germany leads the pack with 8 wins in this category, highlighting its rich managerial history.
Italy follows closely with 7 wins, while France is in third place with 6 wins. Netherlands, Scotland, and Spain have also seen success, each earning 4 wins.
The managers from these nations who have secured the Manager of the Year award include some of the greatest in the sport’s history, such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, and José Mourinho. Their achievements have solidified their countries’ reputations as football powerhouses on the global stage.
| Rank | Country | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 8 |
| 2 | Italy | 7 |
| 3 | France | 6 |
| 4 | Netherlands | 4 |
| 5 | Scotland | 4 |
| 6 | Spain | 4 |
| 7 | Portugal | 3 |
| 8 | England | 1 |
| 9 | Belgium | 1 |
| 10 | Denmark | 1 |
| 11 | Brazil | 1 |
| 12 | Argentina | 1 |
Men’s World Team of the Year Wins
| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 1982 | Brazil (30%) |
| 1983 | Hamburger SV (GER) (29%) |
| 1984 | France (45%) |
| 1985 | Everton (ENG) (42%) |
| 1986 | Argentina (15%) |
| 1987 | Porto (POR) (38%) |
| 1988 | Netherlands (43%) |
| 1989 | Milan (ITA) (51%) |
| 1990 | West Germany (28%) |
| 1991 | France (20%) |
| 1992 | Denmark (37%) |
| 1993 | Parma (ITA) (24%) |
| 1994 | Milan (ITA) (33%) |
| 1995 | Ajax (NED) (50%) |
| 1996 | Nigeria (31%) |
| 1997 | Borussia Dortmund (GER) (20%) |
| 1998 | France (35%) |
| 1999 | Manchester United (ENG) (61%) |
| 2000 | France (33%) |
| 2001 | Liverpool (ENG) (26%) |
| 2002 | Brazil (24%) |
| 2003 | Milan (ITA) (23%) |
| 2004 | Greece (25%) |
| 2005 | Liverpool (ENG) (27%) |
| 2006 | Barcelona (ESP) (42%) |
| 2007 | Iraq (22%) |
| 2008 | Spain (ESP) (41%) |
| 2009 | Barcelona (ESP) (75.9%) |
| 2010 | Spain (ESP) (63.3%) |
| 2011 | Barcelona (ESP) (44.2%) |
| 2012 | Spain (ESP) (47.4%) |
| 2013 | Bayern Munich (GER) |
| 2014 | Germany |
| 2015 | Barcelona (ESP) |
| 2016 | Leicester City (ENG) |
| 2017 | Real Madrid (ESP) |
| 2018 | France |
| 2019 | Liverpool (ENG) |
| 2020 | Bayern Munich (GER) |
| 2021 | Italy |
| 2022 | Argentina |
Men’s World Team of the Year Wins
France holds the record as the most successful country in the history of the award, with five victories. Barcelona has won it four times, while Liverpool, Milan, and Spain have each claimed the honor three times. These achievements reflect the excellence of both individual managers and their respective clubs and national teams in the world of football.
| Rank | Team | Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | 5 |
| 2 | Barcelona (ESP) | 4 |
| 3 | Liverpool (ENG) | 3 |
| 4 | Milan (ITA) | 3 |
| 5 | Spain | 3 |
| 6 | Brazil | 2 |
| 7 | Germany | 2 |
| 8 | Bayern Munich (GER) | 2 |
| 9 | Argentina | 2 |
