The German Football Ambassador Association has announced the winners of its 2025 awards, recognising German coaches, players and organisations whose international work is making a measurable social impact in communities worldwide.
This year’s awards highlight individuals whose influence extends well beyond competitive football. The association said the focus was deliberately placed on figures who may be less publicly celebrated but whose work is improving lives, strengthening communities and advancing social development across several regions.
Lennart Thy, striker for Lion City Sailors in Singapore, was among the honourees. Thy has become Germany’s most prolific overseas goal scorer this year, but it was his continued humanitarian work that earned him recognition. He previously received the FIFA Fair Play Award for donating stem cells to help save a life — an act that continues to shape his advocacy around health and community support. His award was presented during the ESB Sport Brand Media congress in Munich.
The honorary award went to Global United FC, a non-profit collective of nearly 400 former professional players who use football to drive environmental and social programmes, especially in Southern Africa. The organisation has spent 15 years running grassroots projects focused on climate awareness, youth development and community upliftment. CEO Rainer Hahn and board member Kristian Baumgärtner accepted the honour, noting the organisation’s long-term commitment to supporting communities on the African continent.
Matthias Jaissle, head coach of Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia and reigning AFC Champions League Elite winner, received the main award for his international leadership and contribution to the sport’s global development. Jaissle follows last year’s winner, Ralf Rangnick, reflecting the award’s continued recognition of German coaching expertise abroad. Nadine Angerer, assistant coach of the Swiss women’s national team, and David Farke of Leeds United were also acknowledged for their growing influence in international football and their efforts to strengthen Germany’s positive reputation worldwide.
All prize money from the awards will be directed to the “Equal Play Effect,” a social initiative presented in partnership with Common Goal. The programme focuses on increasing gender equality in sport and expanding access to safe, inclusive play opportunities for girls and young women. The association emphasised that every year, the awards are centred on social benefit rather than sporting performance.
The ceremony concluded with a networking session that brought together former award recipients, coaches and development organisations exploring new ways football can accelerate social change. The German Football Ambassador Association said the 2025 winners reflect the growing global movement of athletes and coaches who see sport as a tool for education, inclusion and community impact — not only competition.
