In 2016, the annual ceremony "Football Stars of Ukraine" was launched and has become one of the most important events in domestic football. It is organized by the All-Ukrainian Association of Professional Footballers (AUAFP) together with the Ukrainian Football Association (UFA) on par with FIFPRO | FIFA WORLD XI.

THE BEST 11 — this unique format, as winners are chosen exclusively by professional footballers from all leagues.

The survey is conducted individually since representatives of the AUAFP visit all professional teams personally every September–November. Accordingly, in addition to voting itself, players receive information about educational, social, volunteer and other international projects of the AUAFP, consultations and help with educational and career issues, they are explained legal aspects of labor rights compliance and contract obligations during a state of war.

As for THE BEST 11 project, these awards have special significance because they are recognition among colleagues — people who best understand the complexity and importance of playing on the field. Within the framework of determining symbolic teams of the year among men and women in each category, the top 11 players (goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards) are selected to represent the highest level of skill and achievements throughout the year.

Photo by UFA press service

The absence of external influences or a jury makes the results objective and highly valued in football circles.

The project also aims to support and promote women's football. The separate determination of a symbolic women's team of the year encourages development in this direction and draws attention to its achievements.

"The joint project of the All-Ukrainian Association of Professional Footballers and the Ukrainian Football Association has become a symbol of unity for Ukraine's football community, bringing it together to celebrate successes and strive for new heights. Despite challenges related to war, we continue to support the spirit of Ukrainian football, demonstrating its resilience and readiness for revival.

In addition, we continue to develop and deepen cooperation between our organizations. In May 2024, a new strategic and fundamental agreement on cooperation was signed, similar to the FIFA-FIFPRO agreement. Its goal is to improve working conditions, protect the rights and interests of professional footballers in Ukraine. Also, we jointly developed and will soon sign a fundamental sectoral agreement for Ukrainian football until 2029: besides AUAFP and All-Ukrainian Union 'Football of Ukraine', its parties are UFA, Ukrainian Premier League, Professional Football League, later the association of futsal joins as well.

So "Football Stars of Ukraine" and THE BEST 11 project, when footballers themselves determine the best among their colleagues playing in Ukraine — this is not only recognition of achievements but also motivation for young players who dream of being among the selected. This confirms that success in football is a result of hard work, team spirit, and sincere love for the game,"— Igor Gataullin, President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Professional Footballers, noted.

Graph by UFA

Men's THE BEST 11 team: Georgiy Bushchan ("Dynamo") — Mykola Matviyenko ("Shakhtar"), Taras Mikhavko, Denis Popov, Vladyslav Dubynchak (all — "Dynamo") — Georgiy Sudakov ("Shakhtar"), Mykola Shaparenko, Volodymyr Bratchuk (both — "Dynamo") — Vladyslav Vanat ("Dynamo"), Oleksandr Nazarenko, Oleksiy Hutsulyak (both — "Polesye").

Women's THE BEST 11 team: Daria Kelyushchik ("Kolos") — Olha Basanska ("Metalist 1925"), Kateryna Korsun, Yana Kotyk (both — "Vorskla"), Kristine Aleksanyan ("Metalist 1925") — Daria Apaanychenko, Tamila Khymych (both — "Metalist 1925"), Veronika Andrukhiv ("Kolos") — Roxana Kravchuk, Yana Kalynina (both — "Vorskla"), Elizaveta Molodyk ("Metalist 1925").

Graph by UFA

The awards for the best footballers and footballers will be presented shortly, taking into account the teams' preparation schedule for the spring season.

We add that special individual designer awards are developed specifically for awarding winners.