FIFA has nominated the fans of Zakho Sports Club for the 2025 “The Best” award after their heartwarming act of throwing 30,000 dolls onto the pitch for sick children.
The touching moment took place on May 13 before Zakho SC’s Iraq Stars League match against Al-Hudood. In a colorful and emotional display, supporters filled the stands and tossed thousands of stuffed toys onto the field. The toys were later collected and donated to sick children across the Kurdistan Region.
FIFA’s nomination recognizes this act as one of the most inspiring fan gestures worldwide. Zakho fans now compete with Spain’s late Manolo el del Bombo and Argentina’s Alejandro Ciganotto for the global honor.
Zakho SC praised its supporters, saying their creativity and compassion “showed an exemplary humanitarian spirit” admired across Kurdistan, Iraq, and Asia. “Our fans are the backbone of the team,” the club said, adding that their actions reflect “the positive power of football.”
The FIFA Fan Award winner will be chosen through a public vote on FIFA’s official website. Regardless of the result, Zakho’s fans have already made history—turning a football match into a symbol of kindness and hope that captured global admiration.