World’s Best Playmaker According to IFFHS: The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) awards the title of the world’s best playmaker every year. This award is given to the player who stands out in creating chances, controlling the game, and assisting teammates in competitions. It honors players with great vision, creativity, and influence on the field.
Lionel Messi from Argentina holds the record with five wins, while Spain’s Xavi has won four times in a row. Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne has won three times. Barcelona leads all clubs with ten total wins.
Lionel Messi was also named the Best Playmaker since 2006 and the Best Playmaker of the Decade for 2011–2020.
World’s Best Playmaker According to IFFHS
Below is a table showing the IFFHS World’s Best Playmakers from 2006 to 2023.
| Year | Winner | Club(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Zinedine Zidane | Real Madrid |
| 2007 | Kaká | Milan |
| 2008 | Xavi | Barcelona |
| 2009 | Xavi | Barcelona |
| 2010 | Xavi | Barcelona |
| 2011 | Xavi | Barcelona |
| 2012 | Andrés Iniesta | Barcelona |
| 2013 | Andrés Iniesta | Barcelona |
| 2014 | Toni Kroos | Bayern Munich |
| 2015 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona |
| 2016 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona |
| 2017 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona |
| 2018 | Luka Modrić | Real Madrid |
| 2019 | Lionel Messi | Barcelona |
| 2020 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City |
| 2021 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City |
| 2022 | Lionel Messi | Paris Saint-Germain |
| 2023 | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City |
Multiple Winners (2006–2024)
| Player | Wins | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 5 | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 |
| Xavi | 4 | 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | 3 | 2020, 2021, 2023 |
| Andrés Iniesta | 2 | 2012, 2013 |