The Malta Football Association officially announced the nominees for the 2026 Malta FA Awards during a press conference held on Tuesday at Centenary Hall in Ta’ Qali.
Malta FA Vice President Adrian Casha addressed members of the media and highlighted the importance of the awards in recognising not only the best footballers in the domestic game, but also individuals who distinguished themselves through fair play, social responsibility, and contribution to Maltese football throughout the season.
“The Malta FA Awards are not only an annual accolade recognising the best performers in the men’s and women’s domestic leagues, but also an opportunity to honour individuals whose exemplary behaviour, both on and off the field of play, makes them stand out as true gentlemen and ambassadors of the beautiful game of football,” Mr Casha stated.
The 2026 Malta FA Awards Night will take place on Tuesday 26th May at DoubleTree by Hilton Malta and will be broadcast live on TVMSport+.
Among the most prestigious categories announced were the Male and Female Footballer of the Year awards.
The nominees for the Male Footballer of the Year are:
- Henry Bonello
- Jake Grech
- Joseph Mbong
- Brandon Paiber
- Dunstan Vella
Meanwhile, the Female Footballer of the Year nominees are:
- Yulya Carella
- Maria Farrugia
- Stephania Farrugia
- Amber Grech
- Nicole Sciberras
One notable omission from the shortlist was Haley Bugeja, who this season scored 17 goals for Inter Women in Serie A and was recently named in the U23 Best XI during the ‘Athora Game On – All Stars Long’ awards ceremony. Earlier this year, Bugeja was also awarded Female Athlete of the Year during the 66th edition of L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali organised by the Malta Sports Journalists Association.
The nominees for Coach of the Year are:
- Thane Micallef
- Daniel Portela
- Vincenzo Potenza
The BOV Young Player of the Year shortlist includes:
- Jake Azzopardi
- Kean Scicluna
- Sven Xerri
The nominees for Foreign Player of the Year are:
- Yuri De Jesus Messias
- Joao Victor Souza dos Santos
- Federico Nicholas Varela Escudero
Awards will also be presented for the BOV Challenge League, Amateur League 1 and 2, Youth League, Assikura Youth League, and the Gozitan Achievement Award.
In addition to the competitive awards, special honours, including the Fair Play Award, President’s Award, Football Social Responsibility Award, Hall of Fame recognition, and Best Goal of the Year, will also be presented during the ceremony.
