2025 Futsal Awards: Honoring the Best in the World

The 2025 Futsal Awards, hosted by Futsal Planet in partnership with FIFA, once again celebrated the global stars and rising talents shaping the game. From elite goalkeepers to the most promising youth players, this year’s winners reflect futsal’s growing reach and unmatched technical excellence.

Let’s break down this year’s honorees across the most prestigious categories in world futsal.

Six futsal players crowned, BEST FUTSAL PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

A Truly Global Lineup

This edition of the Futsal Awards saw continued dominance from Brazil while spotlighting emerging talent from Uruguay, Portugal, and Colombia. Coaches, clubs, and players from around the world were recognized for their influence and success over the past year. From dazzling footwork to tactical brilliance, these awardees are pushing futsal forward across all levels.

2025 Best Male Player of the World

Person in a yellow Brazil jersey holding a trophy and smiling. Wearing a blue cap and medal. Background shows a sign for Copa America Futsal.

Fabio Santos (Brazil)

Fábio “Fabinho” is a Brazilian futsal star renowned for his explosive offensive play, creativity in tight spaces, and clinical finishing ability. Currently starring for Palma Futsal in the Spanish league, Fabinho was instrumental in Palma’s deep UEFA Futsal Champions League run and domestic cup success during the 2024–25 season. He also anchors the Brazil national team’s attacking unit, where his vision and pace make him a constant scoring threat. His ability to lift teams in clutch moments and dominate elite defenses earned him the 2025 Best Men’s Player in the World award.

2025 Best Female Player of the World

Brazilian woman celebrating CONMEBOL Copa América Futsal championship with trophy, medal.

Emily Marcondes (Brazil)

She continues to raise the bar in women’s futsal, securing the Best Women’s Player in the World title for the second year in a row after also winning in 2024. Representing MSC Torreblanca Melilla FS in Spain and a key figure for the Brazil national team, Emilly is known for her vision, precise finishing, and ability to control the tempo of a match. Her relentless drive, leadership, and clutch performances in both international and club competition solidified her as the sport’s most dominant female player in 2025 — and now, a back-to-back global champion.

2024 Best Male Goalkeeper of the World

Smiling man in neon jersey holding CONMEBOL Libertadores Futsal trophy. Yellow-lit background. Emblem and text visible on shirt.

Mathías Fernández (Uruguay)

Mathías Fernández Krigeris is a Uruguayan futsal goalkeeper celebrated for his superb reflexes, leadership from the back, and ability to initiate attacks with accurate distribution. Playing for Club Atlético Peñarol, Mathías has been a standout performer in domestic league play and continental competitions, regularly making jaw‑dropping saves in key matches. His calm composure under pressure and exceptional shot‑stopping earned him the 2025 Best Men’s Goalkeeper award.

2024 Best Female Goalkeeper of the World

Smiling athlete in blue jersey holds a large trophy and a green award sign. Background includes spectators in an indoor sports arena.

Ana Carolina Sestari (Italy)

Ana is one of the most respected goalkeepers in women’s futsal. She currently plays for Roma C5 in Italy’s Serie A and has represented both Brazil and Italy on the international stage. Known for her anticipation, quick reflexes, and strong leadership, Sestari consistently frustrates top attackers and helps her teams transition quickly from defense to offense. Her elite performances throughout the year earned her the 2025 Best Women’s Goalkeeper accolade.

2024 Best Young Male Player of the World

Smiling person in black sports jersey holding a silver trophy. Yellow lights and smoke in the background. Medal around their neck, joyful mood.

Franco Duque Cancela (Uruguay)

Franco is a rising star in men’s futsal and one of Uruguay’s most exciting young talents. Playing for Club Atlético Peñarol, Duque combines flair, speed, and tactical intelligence to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities. His dynamic attacking instincts and maturity beyond his years helped him stand out in high‑level competition, earning him the 2025 Best Men’s Young Player award — a testament to his future potential on the global stage.

2024 Best Young Female Player of the World

Soccer player in a red Portugal jersey celebrates with a raised index finger. Background shows a stadium. Text reads "Best Women's Young Player 2025."

Carolina Pedreira (Portugal)

Carol has rapidly emerged as one of the most promising young players in women’s futsal. She currently plays for Poio Pescamar F.S. in Spain’s competitive futsal league and is known for her intelligent attacking movement, sharp ball control, and ability to score and create for her team. Her impressive performances against elite competition throughout 2024–25 earned her the Best Women’s Young Player award. Pedreira is widely regarded as one of the next generation’s brightest stars.

What This Means for the Sport

Brazil continues to lead the charge in futsal excellence—but the 2025 awards also confirm that countries like Uruguay and Portugal are producing the next generation of standout talent. Names like Franco Duque Cancela and Carolina Pedreira are already gaining attention on the international stage, proving that the future of futsal is in good hands.

Meanwhile, the recognition of clubs like Jaraguá Futsal and Taboão/Magnus reinforces the strength of domestic competitions in South America.

Additional Honorees: Celebrating Every Corner of the Game

Best Men’s Club in the World: Associação Desportiva Jaraguá Futsal (BRA)
Best Women’s Club in the World: Esporte Clube Taboão/Magnus (BRA)
Best Men’s Club Coach in the World: Alexandre “Xande” Eduardo de Melo (BRA)
Best Women’s Club Coach in the World: Cristiane de Souza (BRA)
Best Men’s National Team Coach in the World: os “Marquinhos” Xavier Andrade (BRA)
Best Women’s National Team Coach in the World: Wilson Nóbrega Sabóia (BRA)
Best Men’s National Team in the World: Brazil 🇧🇷
Best Women’s National Team in the World: Brazil 🇧🇷
Best Referee in the World: Valeria Nicole Palma Palma (CHI)

A Bright Future Ahead

From player development to coaching innovation, the 2025 Futsal Awards highlight the progress of the game on every continent. These accolades not only reward excellence—but also inspire the next wave of players, fans, and clubs shaping the sport’s future.

Be sure to follow our updates as we continue to celebrate futsal’s best moments, training methods, and global milestones.

🔗 Read our recap of the 2024 Futsal Awards

🔗 Check out our breakdown of 15 fun facts about futsal

🔗 Learn more about our futsal academy and training programs

2025 Futsal Awards by Futsal Planet

The Futsal Awards, presented annually by Futsal Planet in partnership with FIFA, are considered the most prestigious accolades in the sport. Established to recognize outstanding performances in futsal globally, the awards honor players, goalkeepers, coaches, and teams that have made significant contributions to the game each year. The winners are selected through a voting process involving experts, coaches, and journalists from across the futsal community. These awards not only highlight individual brilliance but also shine a light on the growing prominence of futsal as a sport in its own right. By celebrating the best in futsal, the Futsal Awards inspire the next generation and further the development of the game on a global scale.

Be sure to follow our updates as we continue celebrating the sport and highlighting key moments and players throughout the year.