International Federation of Football History & Statistics

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has been tracking the numbers behind the beautiful game since 1984. Founded by Alfredo Pöge in Leipzig, then part of East Germany, the organization started by publishing two quarterly magazines: Fußball-Weltzeitschrift and Libero international. These publications were the primary vehicles for sharing statistical data and historical articles with a niche but dedicated subscriber base. Over the years, the administrative home has shifted from Leipzig to Abu Dhabi, then to Bonn, Germany, before settling in Zürich, Switzerland, in 2014.

The IFFHS operates independently, with no official ties to FIFA or other governing bodies. This freedom lets it focus purely on compiling and verifying statistical data, historical records, and rankings. Its work spans everything from top-tier international tournaments to obscure domestic leagues, making it a key resource for researchers, journalists, and fans who want the definitive word on football's past and present. The organization's reputation rests on meticulous accuracy; it maintains vast databases of match results, player statistics, and club and national team records.

While the IFFHS is not always in the spotlight, its data underpins much of the statistical discourse in football media. Its annual rankings for clubs and national teams are widely cited by outlets like Marca and Goal, and its awards, such as the World's Best Player, often generate headlines. In recent years, the organization has shown it's not afraid to challenge the establishment. In July 2026, it named Lionel Messi as the best player of the 2026 World Cup, directly contradicting FIFA's official choice, just days after a controversial final. The IFFHS also publishes a Team of the World Cup and congratulated Spain on their 2026 title, keeping it at the center of football conversations. [edit]

The IFFHS aims to create and maintain the most comprehensive and accurate statistical record of association football worldwide. It seeks to document the history of the sport at all levels, from international tournaments to club competitions, and to provide reliable data for researchers, journalists, and fans. The organization also works to promote the study of football history through publications and rankings, ensuring that the sport's rich heritage is preserved and accessible. [edit]

In 1984, Alfredo Pöge established the IFFHS in Leipzig, then part of East Germany. The organization's early output centered on two quarterly magazines: Fußball-Weltzeitschrift and Libero international, which disseminated statistical data and historical articles to a growing subscriber base. After German reunification, the IFFHS moved its headquarters to Abu Dhabi for a period, before relocating to Bonn, Germany.

The most significant shift came in 2014, when the IFFHS moved its base to Zürich, Switzerland. This move placed the organization in the same city as FIFA, though the IFFHS maintains its independent status. Over the decades, the IFFHS has expanded its digital presence, launching a website and social media channels to make its data more accessible. It continues to publish rankings and historical research, adapting to the changing landscape of football statistics. In recent years, the organization has made headlines for its bold award choices, such as naming Lionel Messi the 2026 World Cup's best player, a decision that sparked debate in the football world. [edit]