Winners of the 2026 Football Art Prize Announced at Sheffield's Millennium Gallery

The excitement of football has taken a new turn at Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery, where the winners of the 2026 Football Art Prize were announced on the evening of June 10, 2026. This prestigious event coincides with the start of the FIFA World Cup, showcasing the deep connection between art and the beautiful game. The exhibition opened to the public on June 11, 2026, and will run until September 13, 2026, with free entry and a suggested donation of £5.

Celebrating Football Through Art

The Football Art Prize is dedicated to celebrating the passion, drama, and unity that football brings to millions around the world. This year's exhibition features over 60 artists from both the UK and beyond, capturing the highs and lows experienced on the pitch, the players' dedication, and the unwavering support of fans. The diverse range of artworks includes painting, drawing, photography, film, and video, creating a vibrant tapestry of football culture.

Winners of the Prize

The top honours of the Football Art Prize were awarded to:

• First Prize (£5,000): Alina Akbar, a multidisciplinary artist from Manchester, won for her video work Footwork, which beautifully explores the relationship between football and dance.

• Second Prize (£2,000): Sheffield-based artist Conor Rogers received recognition for his ongoing Betting Slip series, featuring four works in the exhibition that reflect on the cultural significance of betting in contemporary British life.

Notable Works on Display

The exhibition showcases a variety of works that highlight different aspects of football and its impact on society. Some notable pieces include:

• K M Asad, Playing at Algae River, 2025: A photograph of children playing football beside an algae-filled river in Nowgawn, illustrating the joy of play in an environment affected by climate change.

• Richard Clements, Echoes of the Game, 2026: This painting focuses on the small details that convey a deep love for football, capturing the essence of legacy and community traditions.

• Stephen Hill, Points of View: Wednesday United, 2026: A unique piece that shows the stripes of Sheffield United from one angle and the colours of Sheffield Wednesday from another, symbolising the diverse identities within the sport.

The Selection Panel

The winners and shortlisted artworks were chosen by a distinguished panel that included:

• Tim Marlow OBE, Director of the Design Museum

• Artist Harland Miller

• Footballer Jessica Naz

• Artist Emmely Elgersma

Tim Marlow expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition:

“People often talk about artistry on the pitch… Well, there's plenty of it off the pitch too, inspired by the beautiful game. One of the joys of football matches is the collective, physical experience, so here's hoping many come and visit the exhibition of selected artworks.”

Curatorial Insight

Katie Irwin, the Exhibition Curator at Sheffield Museums, highlighted the significance of football in the exhibition:

“Football is the most popular sport in the world, and the shortlisted works in this exhibition are a powerful testament to why the beautiful game means so much to so many. While the approaches and subjects differ hugely across the works on display, each is united in depicting the thrill, drama, joy, and heartbreak the game conjures and reflecting our profound connection to it.”

Visiting the Exhibition

The Football Art Prize exhibition is now open at the Millennium Gallery, located at Arundel Gate, Sheffield. Visitors can explore the diverse range of artworks that celebrate the beautiful game until September 13, 2026. The exhibition is free to enter, with a suggested donation to support future exhibitions.

After its run in Sheffield, the exhibition will continue at the National Football Museum from November 2026, ensuring that more football fans and art enthusiasts can experience the creativity inspired by the sport.