An international art prize showcasing the passion, drama and unity of football from the perspective of fans is set to go on display at the National Football Museum this November.
From 21 November 2026 to 21 February 2027, Football Art Prize visits Manchester for the very first time, with artwork created by the people who fully appreciate the beautiful game the most – the fans.
The prize brings together artist from all backgrounds, through a mix of visual art forms including video, photography, collage, drawing, painting and more.
The exhibition features works from fans from across the country, including artworks examining the Premier League, the women’s game, the football league, non-league, amateur communities and the world that exists around football.
As an international, open call competition, the Football Art Prize also features work by artists showcasing how football is played and consumed globally. Artists from countries including the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Greenland, Colombia, Jamaica and India all feature.
This year, visitors to the National Football Museum can also vote for their favourite artwork to help choose a People’s Choice award. This is the first time the public will be able to vote for their favourite piece of art in the prize, with the winning artwork award at the end of the exhibition.
Tim Desmond, chief executive at the National Football Museum, said: “Football has the power to spark joy in the same way that art can. We often think art and football can’t co-exist, but they do. The Football Art Prize brings together the power of art and the beauty of football, celebrating all aspects of the game from the perspective of fans.”
The Football Art Prize was co-founded by art consultancy agency Parker Harris and Touchstones Rochdale. The prize explores the passion, drama, and unity that football inspires across communities and cultures.
Penny Harris, co-founder of Parker Harris, said: “”We are thrilled that this year’s Football Art Prize is travelling to the National Football Museum for the next leg of its tour around the UK. The connections between football culture and art are innumerable, and I’m so excited for visitors to see the beautiful game represented through contemporary visual culture.”
The artworks on display were selected from 900 entries for the prize, with 75 works shortlisted. This year’s first prize was awarded to Rochdale-based artist Alina Akbar for her film footwork, with second prize given to Conor Rogers for his work Betting Slip.
Alina Akbar, said: “Football is not often seen as art. It’s seen as just fan culture. I think it’s so important that all these artists creating work to do with football are seen and taken seriously in their art forms.”
Also part of this year’s exhibition is a community collaboration between the museum and University College of Football Business. The Football Through My Lens competition offers the chance for photographers between the ages of 16-18 to have their images showcased alongside artworks in the main prize exhibition. Winners will be voted on a panel of judges, with voting closing on 1 October. For more information, visit the UCFB website here.