Everything to know ahead of the 2025 FIFPRO General Assembly

• The 2025 FIFPRO General Assembly will take place from 18-20 November in Lisbon, Portugal, as FIFPRO celebrates 60 years of serving players
• The annual gathering enables FIFPRO and its member unions to align on global strategy, reflect on progress made and look ahead to the future
• Winners of the FIFPRO Merit Awards, celebrating players’ inspiring off-pitch work, will be revealed – as well as Union Impact Award

FIFPRO member unions from around the world will come together in Lisbon, Portugal, on 18-20 November for the 2025 FIFPRO General Assembly, marking six decades of representing and protecting the interests of professional footballers worldwide.

The General Assembly marks the first mass gathering of FIFPRO unions since July’s unity meeting at FIFPRO House, Netherlands, and comes one year after the organisation’s new board and leadership team began its mandate, ushering in a renewed phase of cohesion and collective purpose.

The three-day event in the Portuguese capital will provide a vital opportunity to exchange ideas, align on global priorities, and discuss strategies for supporting players both on and off the pitch, with the presence of several stakeholders.

A packed three-day programme

Returning to Europe for the first time since Paris 2021, this year’s General Assembly will feature a comprehensive programme of plenary sessions, workshops, and divisional meetings.

Topics will span player welfare, legal affairs, policy development, stakeholder relations, and more. Regional break-out sessions will also enable unions to collaborate closely on shared challenges and opportunities.

Joaquim Evangelista, President of Portuguese player union SJPF and FIFPRO global board member, expressed his excitement about hosting the global player community in Lisbon, noting the significance of welcoming the Assembly to Portugal in a year celebrating FIFPRO’s 60th anniversary.

"We are delighted to welcome FIFPRO unions from around the world to this year’s General Assembly in Lisbon," he said. "Portugal is a global reference in the world of football and a gathering point for our football community, through major sporting events and meaningful discussions among key stakeholders.

"This gathering holds special significance as it marks FIFPRO’s 60th anniversary – six decades of dedication to serving players. As we celebrate our history and achievements, this milestone also offers a moment to look ahead to the future.

"I look forward to welcoming our colleagues as we align on strategy and share best practices to continue improving the lives and careers of footballers worldwide."

FIFPRO General Secretary Alex Phillips said: "Sixty years ago, FIFPRO was born from the belief that every footballer deserves a voice and fair workplace treatment. That belief has united players across generations and continents.

"Today, we stand as a renewed organisation with new governance, new leadership and a clear vision for the future. As we enter this new era, FIFPRO remains committed in its purpose to empower players, strengthen our collective voice, and shape the game for the next sixty years and beyond."

Honouring players who inspire change

On Tuesday 18 November, FIFPRO will announce the winners of the 2025 FIFPRO Merit Awards, which recognise players whose efforts off the pitch have made a meaningful difference.

Since 2008, these awards have celebrated professional footballers who use their influence to drive social progress, support charitable causes, and inspire positive change around the world.

Nine players have been nominated across three categories:

• Player Activism: For players advocating political or social change through activism.
• Player Impact: For players making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
• Player Voice: For players promoting positive change within their professional environment.

Learn more about this year’s nominees and their inspiring work HERE.

Recognising unions driving progress

As well as applauding the work of players making a difference via the Merit Awards, the Union Impact Award will also be bestowed to the player association that has launched the most inspiring initiative to improve the wellbeing of professional footballers in their country.

The player unions of Chile, France, Greece, Japan and Portugal are the finalists for the 2025 Union Impact Award. On Tuesday 18 November, member unions will vote to decide which of the finalists will win the Union Impact Award.

Take a closer look at why those five unions are nominated HERE.