FIFPRO World 11 trophy receives prestigious industry design award

• The trophy has been recognised with a Platinum A’ Design Award, the highest distinction awarded at the international A’ Design Award & Competition in Italy
• Launched in 2024, the restyled FIFPRO World 11 trophy is created by Argentinian industrial design studio xCruza
• The design is inspired by the Argentine phrase ‘Abrazo de Gol’ (Goal Hug) – the embrace shared by team-mates after scoring a goal

The FIFPRO World 11 trophy, designed by Argentinian industrial design studio xCruza, has been recognised with a Platinum A’ Design Award, the highest distinction at the international A’ Design Award & Competition in Italy.

The project, submitted jointly by FIFPRO and xCruza, was named a winner in the Awards, Prize and Competitions Design category at the 2026 edition of the competition, one of the largest and most prestigious design competitions globally.

The Platinum A’ Design Award is reserved for designs considered truly exceptional in creativity, innovation and execution. According to the competition organisers, Platinum winners represent works that define the aesthetics of an era, push the boundaries of design and technology, and contribute positively to society.

The FIFPRO World 11 trophy, which is presented to the best 11 men’s and women’s footballers as voted for by their fellow professionals across the globe each year, is inspired by the Argentinian phrase 'Abrazo de Gol' (Goal Hug).

Each individual trophy is an elegant representation of the number ‘1’, symbolising each player is, in the eyes of their peers, the best in their position on the pitch; when all 11 trophies come together, they form a larger prize representing the entire World 11, celebrating the power of the collective.

"We wanted to create a trophy that truly captures the essence of football’s most powerful moments: the goal celebrations, where every player feels part of something bigger than themselves," said xCruza Director Victoria Rique.

xCruza Director Carlos Genoud added “The design also reflects the unique nature of the FIFPRO World 11, the only global football award decided by the players. The trophy functions in two forms: as a complete collective trophy and as an individual hand-held piece awarded to each selected player.”

Manufactured via CNC milling and laser engraving, the aluminium trophies stand at 35 centimetres and weigh one kilogram. Each trophy is personally presented to every member of the Men’s and Women’s World 11.

"We want to extend our congratulations to xCruza on their award-winning design of the World 11 trophy,” said FIFPRO Communications Director Alejandro Varsky. “This recognition is a testament to an award that reflects the values professional footballers stand for around the world: teamwork, respect and a shared journey.”

The A’ Design Award & Competition is an international design recognition programme based in Italy. Winners are selected by an international jury composed of members of the specialised press, designers, academics and industry professionals.

The award ceremony will take place on 16 July 2026 in Como, Italy, during the A’ Design Award Gala Night.