Doha, Qatar – The global hockey community celebrated the pinnacle of international hockey tonight at the 50th FIH Statutory Congress in Doha, Qatar, where the game’s finest athletes, visionary coaches, and top officials were presented with the 2026 FIH Hockey Stars Awards.
Taking place on the eve of the Congress, the awards honored exceptional contributions across the 2025–26 international hockey season. Unsurprisingly, World Cup heroics proved decisive across multiple categories, with champions Argentina and Germany leading an illustrious roll of honor.
Here is the complete overview of the 2026 FIH Hockey Stars Award winners and their standout achievements:
FIH Player of the Year
- Women’s Player of the Year: Sofía Cairó (ARG)
Las Leonas’ dynamic midfield engine was the driving force behind Argentina’s historic march to the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup title in Amstelveen. Cairó dictated tempo against the world’s elite midfields throughout the tournament, providing both crucial transitions and ironclad defensive cover. Her calm authority in regular time and clutch leadership during the high-stakes final against the Netherlands cemented her reputation as the premier playmaker in women’s international hockey. Additionally, her decisive shoot-out goal, that put Argentina over the top in the World Cup final and led to the historic celebrations, will be an image burned into the minds of Las Leaonas fans forever.
Speaking at the award ceremony Cairó said: “Behind this award, well, there is obviously all the training, the entire process, and the consistency. I am someone who really enjoys it; I am very happy, and I always say how privileged I am to be where I am. Being part of Las Leonas is something I’ve always wanted, and being here today is truly a dream, so I enjoy it so much. I believe this isn't an award for just one person, because without a team behind you, this award wouldn't exist. So, clearly, this belongs to the whole team, to all the Leonas, and to the entire coaching staff. I am so grateful to be part of this team, and for everyone who has always supported me and continues to do so.”
- Men’s Player of the Year: Tomás Domene (ARG)
Tomás Domene produced an unforgettable individual campaign at the FIH Hockey Pro League and the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top goalscorer in both premier events with an astonishing 21 and 10 goals respectively. With lethal finishing from penalty corners and open play alike, the Argentine striker delivered decisive multi-goal masterclasses that consistently turned matches in Los Leones’ favor and confirmed his standing as the world's most devastating marksman. His heroics earned him the best player of the World Cup award as well, where his 10 goals helped the Leones win just their second ever medal (bronze) at the Men’s World Cup.
Speaking after receiving the award, Domene said: “Finding out that I had won the award was a truly special and emotional moment. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and unwavering dedication, and is a tremendous recognition of the commitment and effort I have put into what I do. Receiving this award is a real honour. I’m living my dream.”
FIH Goalkeeper of the Year
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cristina Cosentino (ARG)
Cristina Cosentino etched her name into World Cup folklore with an immortal performance in the 2026 Women’s World Cup final. After frustrating the high-powered Dutch offense through 60 minutes of regulation play, Cosentino became the ultimate shootout hero, affecting three crucial stops to seal a 3–1 shootout triumph and secure Argentina’s third World Cup title. Her composure and shot-stopping under extreme pressure made her the undisputed top goalkeeper of 2026.
Receiving her award, Cosentino said: “I try to stay consistent all year long, and while I was aware of how I was performing, you're always surprised—so obviously, I'm thrilled. I have the full backing of the team and, even if it sounds a bit cliché, their trust means the world. Sometimes the confidence they project in you is even greater than what you have in yourself. They push you to believe in yourself and achieve great things.
Behind an award like this, there’s an incredible amount of time, dedication, and training. As goalkeepers, we go through so much specific physical and mental preparation. It’s the result of many years of hard work coming together right now, so I’m really happy to see it all paying off."
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Luis Calzado (ESP)
Spain’s historic run to the 2026 Men’s World Cup final was anchored by the brilliance of Luis Calzado. The Spanish custodian delivered game-winning saves throughout the knockout rounds in Wavre and Amstelveen, conceding almost nothing from open play and keeping Spain within striking distance right through their tight 1–0 loss against Germany in the World Cup final—in the end earning a historic first silver medal for Spain at the Men’s Hockey World Cup.
Speaking upon receiving the award, Calzado said: “Receiving this award is an incredible honour. It reflects a much longer journey, from my years at Polo, which were fundamental in shaping me as both a player and a professional, to everything I have experienced this season at SV Kampong. Additionally, winning a World Cup silver medal with the national team means so much to me.
I am incredibly proud of everything this year has meant to me and how it has concluded. I am also grateful to have had so many people around me who have believed in me, challenged me, and helped me bring out the best in myself. I feel very fortunate.
This award is incredibly special, but being able to share it with those closest to me is what truly gives it meaning.
To finish the year in this way is absolutely amazing.”
FIH Rising Star of the Year
- Women’s Rising Star of the Year: Zoë Díaz (ARG)
At just 20 years old, Zoë Díaz proved fearless on hockey’s biggest stage. Having become a Las Leonas mainstay during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 season, Díaz injected explosive pace, aggressive pressing, and creative flair in the final third during Argentina’s gold medal-winning World Cup campaign, playing key minutes in the knockout rounds and demonstrating maturity far beyond her years on the way to lifting the World Cup trophy. This is Diaz’s second time winning the FIH Rising Star Award after first having won it as an 18 year old in 2024!
After receiving the award Diaz said: “To be honest, it’s been an absolutely incredible year no matter how you look at it. What we experienced at the World Cup was truly unique, and it was a beautiful journey that we really enjoyed as a team. Receiving this personal award means the world to me, but I feel like it belongs to the team too, because they’re the ones who push me to be my best every single day; it's hard to wrap my head around everything happening so fast, but I try to take a step back, soak it all in, and use it as fuel to keep going for more.”
- Men’s Rising Star of the Year: Justus Warweg (GER)
A breakout sensation on the senior international circuit, Justus Warweg played an indispensable role in Germany’s successful defense of their Men’s World Cup crown. Similar to Diaz, Warweg became a consistent attacking midfield force for Germany in the 2025-26 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League. He carried his form to the World Cup where he was tasked with precise attacking assignments. Warweg showcased remarkable positional discipline, technical finesse, and composure in the circle against seasoned opponents throughout Germany's unbeaten championship run, scoring two sensational goals in the process as well, as the Honamas retained their World Cup crown from 2023.
Warweg spoke to us upon winning the award and said: “I feel very honored, it’s a tremendous honor for me after what has already been a very successful year. With such a strong team, anything is possible.”
FIH Coach of the Year
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Alyson Annan (Head Coach - China Women)
One of hockey’s greatest tactical innovators, Alyson Annan continued her remarkable coaching legacy. Having transformed China into a disciplined, resilient, and counter-attacking world powerhouse, Annan’s tactical flexibility and squad development were on full display throughout the World Cup and the FIH Pro League circuit, where her side consistently challenged and defeated the world’s top-ranked nations. The 2026 Coach of the Year Award is a record-extending 7th title for Annan, as she continues to be a trailblazer for women coaches in international hockey. Annan also continues to hold the unique distinction of being the only former FIH Player of the Year (1998 & 2000) to also receive an FIH Coach of the Year award.
Speaking at the ceremony Annan said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, and I accept it on behalf of the women coaches who have shared this journey with me: Liu Pan, Long Fengyu, Liang Meiyu, Cui Qiuxia, Li Hongxia, Katie Allen, Kate Richardson Walsh, Eva de Goede, Pietie Coetzee and Charlotte Stapenhorst. Promoting women in coaching is something I am passionate about, and this year I have worked hard to create space for women coaches to be visible and recognised for the outstanding coaches they are and the work they do. My hope is that, in the years ahead, more and more women will have the opportunity to coach at every level of our sport.”
- Men’s Coach of the Year: André Henning (Head Coach - Germany Men)
André Henning confirmed his status among the elite tacticians in international sport by guiding the Honamas to back-to-back Men's World Cup titles. Under his guidance, Germany demonstrated unmatched tournament resilience, defensive discipline, and game-management intelligence, culminating in their 1–0 World Cup final victory over Spain to capture Germany’s fourth overall world championship. Henning adds a second World Cup trophy to an already illustrious trophy cabinet during his spell as the German head coach, that now includes a EuroHockey gold, Olympic silver and two World Cup golds.
Speaking after winning the award Heening said: "We, as staff, build the platforms. But this kind of growth only succeeds when everyone has the courage to seize the opportunity. Clarity, confrontation, courage, and the openness to break free—both for ourselves and others—from our preconceived notions. The staff and team have fully embraced this.
Actually, this award should be called “World Staff” or “Coaching Team of the Year.” Because that’s how I—and we—understand our collaboration. First and foremost, Pasha Gademan, Andreu Enrich, Robin Arkell, Lucas Koch, and Jimi Lewis are the coaches who truly influence our game. Everyone—even those I can’t name—contribute their utmost passion and expertise.
I am incredibly happy to be working with so many experts—but above all, with such outstanding people and personalities. Not only do they make my life better, but they also make me look good as a boss—today more than ever. Thank you very much for this award, and congratulations to my entire team and to everyone who shapes who we are."
FIH Umpire of the Year
- Women’s Umpire of the Year: Sarah Wilson (SCO)
A consistent fixture in modern international hockey, Sarah Wilson has earned global acclaim for her authoritative, clear, and proactive game management throughout her career. Officiating at the highest-stakes fixtures of the 2026 World Cup—including the Women’s World Cup final—and through all the major international hockey competitions for over a decade, Wilson’s consistency and player communication set the benchmark for officiating worldwide. Wilson’s legacy continues to astound as she receives her third FIH Umpire of the Year Award, adding to the awards received in 2017 & 2022.
Speaking upon winning the award, Wilson said: “I am absolutely honoured and thrilled to receive this award. There are so many outstanding umpires performing at the highest international level, and I feel incredibly privileged to be recognised among them. I hope to continue serving this wonderful game at the highest level, helping to facilitate world-class competition and showcasing to the world what a truly spectacular sport hockey is.”
- Men’s Umpire of the Year: Gareth Greenfield (NZL)
An international umpire since 2010, New Zealand’s Gareth Greenfield receives the 2026 Men’s Umpire of the Year honours following an exemplary career which has included multiple top level competitions including World Cups, Olympics, FIH Pro League, Continental Championships and FIH Junior Hockey World Cups. At the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup, Greenfield was also appointed to officiate the final as Germany defended their world championship crown against Spain. Greenfield's calmness under pressure, sharp decision-making, and clear communication with the players makes him a consistent favourite among players, as well as fans of hockey.
Speaking after the ceremony Greenfield said: ““Receiving this award is an absolute privilege and the culmination of an unforgettable year. I owe so much to my family for their support and sacrifices, as well as to everyone who has contributed to my journey. I started umpiring out of love for the game and a desire to give back, with the goal of helping make hockey entertaining and supporting players and fellow officials. New Zealand has a fantastic, close-knit hockey family that continually pushes us to achieve the highest standards, both locally and internationally. To receive this award representing New Zealand and showcasing what our officials can achieve on the world stage means the world to me.”
Along with the FIH Hockey Stars Awards, the following awards were also presented at the 50th FIH Congress in Doha, Qatar:
FIH President’s Award: Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani (QAT), Andrés de Witt (CHI), Patrick Keusters (BEL)
René G. Frank Super Fair Play Trophy: Polish Hockey Association
Theo Ykema Award: Confederación Argentina de Hockey
Guust Lathouwers Memorial Trophy: Peter Elders (NED)
Etienne Glichitch Award: Mr. Oko Nikoi Dzani (GHA)
HRH Sultan Azlan Shah Award: Professor Ediga Agbo (NGR)
Pablo Negre Trophy: Turkiye Hokey Federasyonu
Diplona of Merit: Erik Gerritsen (NED), Serge Pilet (BEL), Slaven Zlatar (CRO)
Order of Merit: Deon Morgan (RSA), Ravi Kant Srivastava (IND), Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma (OMA), Cameron Vale (AUS)
Greatest Appreciation: Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (QAT)
Hosting Certificate: Qatar Olympic Committee
