[7][8][9] The selection criteria for the men's players of the year were: sporting performance, as well as general conduct on and off the pitch from 20 November 2016 to 2 July 2017.

[7][10] The selection criteria for the men's football coaches of the year were: the best goalkeeper, regardless of championship or nationality, for his achievements during the period from 20 November 2016 to 2 July 2017 inclusive.

[7][8] The selection criteria for the men's football coaches of the year were: performance and general behaviour of their teams on and off the pitch from 20 November 2016 to 2 July 2017.

[7][8] The selection criteria for the women's players of the year were: sporting performance, as well as general conduct on and off the pitch from 20 November 2016 to 6 August 2017.

[7][8] The selection criteria for the women's football coaches of the year were: performance and general behaviour of their teams on and off the pitch from 20 November 2016 to 6 August 2017.

The award was given to the most outstanding ”fair-play” gesture/behaviour of the year (an act of fair play either on the pitch or in relation to an official football match — which could also include any amateur league).

[16] The players chosen included Gianluigi Buffon as goalkeeper, Dani Alves, Leonardo Bonucci, Sergio Ramos, and Marcelo as defenders, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Andrés Iniesta as midfielders, and Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar as forwards.