Golden Foot
The Golden Foot is an annual international football award established in 2003, presented to active players aged 27 or older who have distinguished themselves through exceptional athletic achievements, both individually and collectively, as well as their personality and class.[1] Organized by the Monaco-based Image Promotion Company under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the award can only be won once in a player's lifetime and culminates in the winner's right and left footprints being cast in gold and embedded along the Champions Promenade in Monaco, creating a lasting tribute to football legends.[2][3] The selection process begins with a panel of international football experts nominating ten candidates each year, with the recipient determined by a committee of professionals chaired by the award's founder, Antonio Caliendo. Past winners include iconic figures such as Roberto Baggio (2003), Ronaldinho (2004), and more recent honorees like Cristiano Ronaldo (2020), Robert Lewandowski (2022), and Lautaro Martínez (2024), highlighting the award's focus on players in the mature phase of their careers who continue to excel at the highest levels.[4] In addition to the main men's award, a women's category was introduced in 2022 to recognize female footballers under similar criteria, with winners such as Kosovare Asllani (2022) and Saki Kumagai (2024).[5] Beyond the awards ceremony held in Monaco, the Golden Foot initiative encompasses related projects like the Golden Foot Café and the Legends Association, which promote football's values and support charitable causes, further embedding the award's cultural significance in the sport.[2] This prestigious recognition stands out for its emphasis on career-long contributions rather than single-season performances, making it one of the most exclusive honors in football, with only one recipient annually since its inception.[3]Overview
Description and Purpose
The Golden Foot is an international football award established in 2003 by Italian football agent Antonio Caliendo and organized annually in Monaco under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II. It recognizes active male and female players who have distinguished themselves through exceptional career achievements in the sport.[2][4] The purpose of the award is to honor players aged 28 or older for their athletic accomplishments, personality, fair play, and overall contributions to football, emphasizing lifetime excellence rather than single-season performance. Unlike many annual accolades, the Golden Foot is a one-time honor; once awarded, recipients cannot be nominated again, underscoring its role as a career capstone that celebrates enduring legacy.[5][6] The award is closely associated with charitable initiatives through the Golden Foot Legends Association, which supports humanitarian projects worldwide, including the construction of sports facilities and medical clinics in underserved communities. Since 2009, a charity auction held during the ceremony at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has raised funds specifically for efforts to combat AIDS.[7][8]Significance in Football
The Golden Foot award holds significant prestige in football as a lifetime achievement honor, recognizing players over the age of 28 for their overall career contributions, personality, and athletic excellence, rather than single-season performances.[9] Unlike annual accolades such as the Ballon d'Or, which focus on peak-year achievements, the Golden Foot emphasizes sustained impact and is awarded only once per recipient, underscoring its exclusivity as a capstone for veteran careers.[3] This distinction elevates it as a marker of enduring legacy, with winners like Cristiano Ronaldo in 2020 noting it as a tribute to their holistic influence on the sport beyond statistical dominance.[10] The award profoundly shapes recipients' legacies by immortalizing their contributions through the Champions Promenade in Monaco, where winners imprint their footprints in marble alongside football icons, symbolizing a permanent place in the game's history.[9] For instance, recipients such as Roberto Baggio (2003) have used the honor to highlight their long-term dedication, shifting focus from prime-year accolades to career-spanning narratives of resilience and influence.[11] This ritual not only celebrates post-peak contributions but also inspires younger players by illustrating football's value in sustained excellence and sportsmanship. Media coverage amplifies the award's celebrity status, drawing global attention from outlets like ESPN, Daily Mail, and Monaco Life, which portray it as one of football's most coveted prizes—particularly notable for eluding stars like Lionel Messi despite his numerous Ballon d'Or wins.[3][10] This visibility fosters endorsements and brand promotions for winners through partnerships like the Image Promotion Company SAM, enhancing their post-career profiles.[9] Furthermore, the award promotes core football values such as fair play and humanitarianism via the Golden Foot Legends Association, which engages recipients in charitable initiatives that extend the sport's positive societal impact.[7] Its statistical uniqueness further cements its selectivity: since inception in 2003, only one male winner has been named annually, resulting in just 21 recipients by 2024, far fewer than the multiple honorees in other major awards and making it a rare pinnacle of recognition in the global football landscape.[9]History
Establishment
The Golden Foot award was established in 2003 by Italian football agent Antonio Caliendo through his Monaco-based company, Image Promotion Company SAM, in collaboration with the Principality of Monaco under the high patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II.[2][12] The initiative aimed to honor outstanding football players at the peak or later stages of their careers, recognizing both their athletic achievements and personal qualities, with eligibility restricted to those aged 27 and older.[1][4] The inaugural ceremony took place in Monaco in 2003, where Italian footballer Roberto Baggio, then playing for Brescia, was named the first winner for his illustrious career, including World Cup performances and multiple Serie A titles.[5][3] This event marked the launch of the award as an international career accolade, distinct from annual performance honors like the Ballon d'Or. Central to the award's founding concept was the creation of the Champions Promenade, a permanent seaside walkway near the Grimaldi Forum inspired by Hollywood's Walk of Fame, where winners imprint their footprints in bronze alongside a personal message.[13] The promenade's inauguration in August 2003, presided over by Prince Albert II, underscored the early partnership with Monaco's royal family and solidified the award's prestige as a lifelong tribute to football legends.[14][15]Evolution and Changes
Since its inception in 2003, the Golden Foot award has evolved to include additional categories that recognize a broader spectrum of football excellence, expanding from a single annual winner to incorporating ongoing honors for retired legends and special prestige awards. The legends category, which honors iconic retired players for their lifetime contributions, has been a staple since the award's early years, featuring figures such as Pelé in 2012 and Zinedine Zidane in 2008. In 2020, the Golden Foot Prestige award was introduced to acknowledge significant off-field impacts, with Juventus president Andrea Agnelli as the inaugural recipient for his leadership in European football governance.[5][3][16] A major expansion occurred in 2022 with the launch of a dedicated women's category, mirroring the men's award to promote gender equity in football recognition; Swedish midfielder Kosovare Asllani became the first female winner that year, celebrated for her achievements with AC Milan and the Sweden national team. This addition marked a shift toward greater inclusivity, with subsequent winners like Japan's Saki Kumagai in 2024 highlighting emerging global talent in women's football. In 2024, the Golden Foot Prodigy category was introduced for promising players under 27, further broadening the award's scope. Concurrently, the age eligibility criterion was formalized as players who have attained 27 years by December 31 of the award year, though minor refinements have occurred over time to ensure focus on mature, active professionals—such as emphasizing ongoing career performance rather than past peaks.[17][5][18] The selection mechanism underwent a significant procedural update in 2024, transitioning from public online voting—used from 2003 to 2023, which allowed global fan participation—to a jury comprising experts, including former winners and international journalists, to enhance credibility and reduce potential biases. This change aimed to prioritize professional evaluation of athletic and personal qualities. As of 2025, the award continues to stress active player status and diverse global representation, exemplified by the 2024 men's winner, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez, whose selection underscored the emphasis on current impact in club and international competitions.[19][20]Selection Process
Eligibility and Criteria
The Golden Foot award is open to active professional football players, both male and female, who have reached the age of 27 by December 31 of the award year.[11][21] This age threshold ensures the award recognizes players in the mature phase of their careers, emphasizing sustained excellence rather than early promise.[22] Selection is based on a multifaceted evaluation that combines on-field performance, overall career achievements, personal character, adherence to fair play principles, and contributions beyond the pitch, such as charitable work or leadership in the sport.[23][3] These criteria highlight not only technical and tactical prowess but also the holistic impact of a player on football's global landscape.[8] Retired players are ineligible for the main award and may instead be considered for the separate Golden Foot Legends category, which honors post-career legacies.[11] Additionally, recipients of the Golden Foot cannot be renominated in future years, enforcing a one-time-only rule to broaden recognition across generations.[21][22] To ensure quality, nominees must be actively competing in a professional league of significant standing at the time of consideration, verified through official club registrations and match participation records.[4][8] This process maintains the award's focus on current contributors to elite-level football.Nomination and Voting
The nomination phase for the Golden Foot award begins with the shortlisting of 10 candidates each year by a panel of international football journalists and experts representing the award's media partners.[4][11] This selection emphasizes players' ongoing athletic achievements, personality, and adherence to eligibility rules, ensuring a diverse group of active professionals aged 27 or older who have not previously won the award.[22] Historically, prior to 2024, the voting process involved a public online poll conducted via the official Golden Foot website (goldenfoot.com), where fans worldwide could cast votes for their preferred nominee from the shortlist.[4][8] This democratic element allowed global participation, often running for several weeks to build anticipation. Starting with the 2024 edition, the process shifted to an expert-driven format, with the winner determined exclusively by a committee of professionals chaired by Antonio Caliendo, the award's founder; this panel includes football coaches, former players, and media representatives to prioritize professional evaluation over public opinion.[12][24] The timeline for announcements is structured to align with the European football calendar: nominees are typically revealed in the summer, around July or August, giving voters or the committee time to assess performances from the preceding season.[25][26] The winner is then declared in late October or early November, coinciding with the annual ceremony in Monaco under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II.[9][27]Ceremony and Traditions
Presentation Event
The Golden Foot presentation event is an annual gala ceremony held in Monaco, typically in late October, under the high patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. It brings together football luminaries, past award winners, celebrities, and dignitaries for a formal evening celebrating excellence in the sport. Venues have varied over the years, including the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo in earlier editions and more recently the Automobile Club de Monaco.[28][29] Central to the event is the live announcement of the Golden Foot winner, followed by acceptance speeches from the honoree and presentations of related awards, such as the Golden Foot Legends. The ceremony integrates charitable components, notably a gala auction at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo since 2009, which raises funds for AIDS awareness and prevention through organizations like Fight AIDS Monaco, chaired by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco.[30][8] The guest list typically features international football stars, club representatives, and entertainment figures, creating a blend of sport and glamour. Events are often streamed live or covered by sports media outlets, ensuring global visibility.[16][31] In the 2024 edition, held on October 31 at the Automobile Club de Monaco, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez was honored as the men's winner, with the ceremony emphasizing his pivotal role in the club's recent triumphs, including the 2024 Serie A title.[29][32]Champions Promenade
The Champions Promenade serves as a permanent "Walk of Fame" along Monaco's seaside harbor, where Golden Foot award winners imprint their footprints and signatures into terracotta slabs, creating an enduring tribute to football legends. Inspired by Hollywood's iconic walkway, this attraction features over 120 such slabs as of 2025, honoring players for their exceptional careers and contributions to the sport.[13][33] The installation process takes place during or immediately following the annual Golden Foot ceremony, with winners embedding their marks under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. These slabs are then permanently set into the promenade, located along Avenue Princesse Grâce near the Japanese Garden and between the Grimaldi Forum and the harborfront esplanade, enhancing the area's scenic appeal with views of the Mediterranean Sea. The promenade was inaugurated on August 26, 2003, with the first slab for Golden Foot Legend Diego Maradona, marking the beginning of this tradition with the inaugural main winner Roberto Baggio following later that year.[13][33][34] Maintained by Monaco's local authorities as part of the public waterfront, the promenade draws significant tourism, serving as a must-visit site for football enthusiasts who stroll the path to view the imprints of icons like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo. This ongoing exhibition not only promotes football heritage but also boosts visitor interest in the Principality, with plans for related displays at the nearby Golden Foot Café. Symbolically, the Promenade represents immortality in football, immortalizing winners' legacies in a tangible, public display that celebrates excellence and the sport's global impact.[13][35][6]Men's Golden Foot Winners
List of Winners
The Men's Golden Foot award has been presented annually since 2003 to active male footballers aged 28 or older for their exceptional career achievements. As of November 2025, 21 winners have been honored from 2003 to 2024, with no recipient named in 2023.[5] The following table lists the winners chronologically:| Year | Player | Country | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Roberto Baggio | Italy | Brescia |
| 2004 | Pavel Nedvěd | Czech Republic | Juventus |
| 2005 | Andriy Shevchenko | Ukraine | AC Milan |
| 2006 | Ronaldo | Brazil | Real Madrid |
| 2007 | Alessandro Del Piero | Italy | Juventus |
| 2008 | Roberto Carlos | Brazil | Fenerbahçe |
| 2009 | Ronaldinho | Brazil | AC Milan |
| 2010 | Francesco Totti | Italy | Roma |
| 2011 | Ryan Giggs | Wales | Manchester United |
| 2012 | Zlatan Ibrahimović | Sweden | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2013 | Didier Drogba | Ivory Coast | Galatasaray |
| 2014 | Andrés Iniesta | Spain | Barcelona |
| 2015 | Samuel Eto'o | Cameroon | Antalyaspor |
| 2016 | Gianluigi Buffon | Italy | Juventus |
| 2017 | Iker Casillas | Spain | Porto |
| 2018 | Edinson Cavani | Uruguay | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2019 | Luka Modrić | Croatia | Real Madrid |
| 2020 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | Juventus |
| 2021 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Liverpool |
| 2022 | Robert Lewandowski | Poland | Barcelona |
| 2024 | Lautaro Martínez | Argentina | Inter Milan |
Winners by Country
Italy holds the record for the most men's Golden Foot winners with four, followed by Brazil with three, and Spain with two; the remaining winners hail from 10 other countries, each with a single recipient.[36] Out of the 21 awards presented from 2003 to 2024 (with no winner in 2023), 13 have gone to players from European nations, underscoring a notable continental dominance in the honor.[4] The Italian winners are:- 2003: Roberto Baggio
- 2007: Alessandro Del Piero
- 2010: Francesco Totti
- 2016: Gianluigi Buffon[36]
- 2006: Ronaldo
- 2008: Roberto Carlos
- 2009: Ronaldinho[36]
- 2014: Andrés Iniesta
- 2017: Iker Casillas[36]
Winners by Club
The Golden Foot award recognizes outstanding footballers based on their club affiliation at the time of winning, highlighting the prestige of certain teams in nurturing long-term excellence among players over 28 years old. Italian clubs have historically dominated this metric, with nine winners representing Serie A teams out of 21 total men's recipients from 2003 to 2024, underscoring the league's emphasis on sustained career achievements.[5] Juventus leads all clubs with four winners: Pavel Nedvěd (Czech Republic, 2004), Alessandro Del Piero (Italy, 2007), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, 2016), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, 2020). This tally reflects the club's reputation for retaining iconic players into their prime years, contributing to its status as a hub for award-caliber longevity.[5] Several clubs have secured two winners each: AC Milan with Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine, 2005) and Ronaldinho (Brazil, 2009); Real Madrid with Ronaldo (Brazil, 2006) and Luka Modrić (Croatia, 2019); FC Barcelona with Andrés Iniesta (Spain, 2014) and Robert Lewandowski (Poland, 2022); Paris Saint-Germain with Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden, 2012) and Edinson Cavani (Uruguay, 2018).[5] The remaining winners hail from distinct clubs, each with a single honoree: Roberto Baggio (Italy, Brescia, 2003); Roberto Carlos (Brazil, Fenerbahçe, 2008); Francesco Totti (Italy, Roma, 2010); Ryan Giggs (Wales, Manchester United, 2011); Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Galatasaray, 2013); Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon, Antalyaspor, 2015); Iker Casillas (Spain, FC Porto, 2017); Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool, 2021); and Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter Milan, 2024), marking Inter's first such victory.[5] This distribution illustrates a lack of overwhelming dominance by any one club, with Juventus's four awards standing out amid broader representation from Europe's top leagues, though Italian sides collectively account for nearly half the total. The 2024 win by Martínez at Inter Milan adds to Serie A's recent influence, bridging club success with individual legacy.[5]Women's Golden Foot
Introduction and History
The Women's Golden Foot is an annual international football award recognizing outstanding female players aged 27 or older for their career achievements, personality, and fair play, mirroring the criteria of its male counterpart. Launched in 2022, it serves as an extension of the original Golden Foot award to honor women's contributions to the sport and promote greater recognition in a historically male-dominated field.[5] Organized by the Golden Foot organization in Monaco, founded by Antonio Caliendo, the women's variant applies the same selection process as the men's award, involving nominations by a panel of football experts and media representatives to select ten candidates, followed by public online voting (for 2022), with selection by a professional committee from 2024 onward. The inaugural edition in 2022 integrated the women's presentation into the main ceremony held at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo.[5][37] The award faced early hurdles due to the relatively shorter professional history of women's football, resulting in a smaller pool of eligible veteran players compared to the men's game. By November 2025, only two editions had been completed, with the 2023 ceremony either skipped or not publicly announced, though the award shows signs of annual expansion as women's football gains prominence globally. The 2025 edition is scheduled for November 26, 2025, with nominees announced but no winner as of November 15, 2025.[29][38]List of Winners
The Women's Golden Foot award was first presented in 2022 to recognize exceptional female footballers aged 27 or older for their career achievements and ongoing contributions to the sport. As of November 2025, only two winners have been honored, reflecting the award's relatively recent introduction and its focus on established leaders in women's football. No recipient was named in 2023, marking an irregularity in the annual cycle. The following table lists the winners chronologically:| Year | Player | Country | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Kosovare Asllani | Sweden | AC Milan |
| 2024 | Saki Kumagai | Japan | AS Roma |
Award Legends
Concept and Purpose
The Award Legends, a category within the Golden Foot awards, was introduced in 2003 alongside the main award to recognize retired football icons who have profoundly shaped the sport through their careers.[5] This variant specifically honors players who have retired at or after the age of 28, celebrating their enduring contributions rather than ongoing professional performance.[5] The primary purpose of the Award Legends is to provide a lifetime tribute to these figures, emphasizing their historical impact, legacy, and overall influence on football's development and culture.[5] Unlike accolades focused on contemporary achievements, it prioritizes the long-term significance of a player's career, including innovations, leadership, and inspirational roles that have transcended their playing days.[5] This approach ensures that the award serves as a permanent acknowledgment of football's foundational heroes. Selection for the Award Legends is conducted by an expert panel of football specialists, allowing for a broader scope than the main Golden Foot award, with multiple honorees recognized each year.[5] There is no requirement for recent activity, distinguishing it sharply from the primary award's criteria for active players; instead, it underscores the recipients' lasting legacy and transformative influence on the game.[5] Like the main award, the presentation occurs in Monaco, where honorees contribute to the Champions Promenade by imprinting their footprints.[5]Honorees by Country
As of 2024, the Golden Foot Award Legends have honored a total of 92 retired football icons from 30 countries, recognizing their lifelong contributions to the sport.[5] Italy leads with 19 honorees, reflecting the nation's rich football heritage. Notable recipients include Paolo Maldini (2021), Franco Baresi (2012), Dino Zoff (2004), and Fabio Cannavaro (2024).[5] Brazil ranks second with 11 honorees, showcasing the country's legendary talents such as Pelé (2012), Zico (2006), and Romário (2007).[5] France follows closely with 9 honorees, including Zinedine Zidane (2008), Michel Platini (2004), and Just Fontaine (2003).[5] The remaining top countries include Spain with 9 honorees, such as Gerard Piqué (2024), Fernando Llorente (2024), and Carles Puyol (2016), and the Netherlands with 4, exemplified by Ruud Krol (2024), Clarence Seedorf (2018), and Ruud Gullit (2011). Other nations like Argentina, Germany, and Portugal each have between 3 and 8 honorees, with examples including Diego Maradona (Argentina, 2003).[5] European countries dominate the honorees, accounting for approximately 60% of the total, underscoring the award's emphasis on global but historically Euro-centric football legacies. No new legends were announced in 2023, while the 2024 class added five recipients: Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), Gerard Piqué (Spain), Rui Costa (Portugal), Fernando Llorente (Spain), and Ruud Krol (Netherlands).[5][6]| Country | Number of Honorees | Selected Examples (Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 19 | Paolo Maldini (2021), Franco Baresi (2012), Dino Zoff (2004), Fabio Cannavaro (2024) |
| Brazil | 11 | Pelé (2012), Zico (2006), Romário (2007) |
| France | 9 | Zinedine Zidane (2008), Michel Platini (2004), Just Fontaine (2003) |
| Spain | 9 | Gerard Piqué (2024), Fernando Llorente (2024), Carles Puyol (2016) |
| Netherlands | 4 | Ruud Krol (2024), Clarence Seedorf (2018), Ruud Gullit (2011) |
Golden Foot Prestige Award
Description
The Golden Foot Prestige Award was established in 2020 to recognize administrators, executives, and other non-playing figures in football governance.[40] This distinction from the main Golden Foot Award, which honors active players, extends appreciation to those shaping the sport off the field.[1] The purpose of the award is to honor lifetime contributions to football's organization, ethics, and global growth, focusing on leadership that transcends athletic performance.[1] Selection criteria prioritize sustained impact and exemplary guidance in the sport's administration, with honorees chosen by the Golden Foot Prize Commission—the same body overseeing the primary awards—based on evaluations of professional achievements and influence.[40][1] In format, one recipient is named each year and presented the award at the annual Monaco ceremony, where it integrates with the broader Golden Foot event under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II.[5][1]Recipients
The Golden Foot Prestige Award, established in 2020 to recognize exemplary leadership in football administration, has been conferred on three individuals as of November 2025, all prominent executives from Italian and Spanish football institutions.[5] These recipients have been honored for their influential roles in club management and governance, shaping the sport's competitive and organizational landscape. No awards were presented in 2023 or 2024.[41]| Year | Recipient | Position | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Andrea Agnelli | President of Juventus FC | Italy |
| 2021 | Gabriele Gravina | President of FIGC | Italy |
| 2022 | Florentino Pérez | President of Real Madrid CF | Spain |