Friends will be friends right till the end. This was the message of a popular song released more than 30 years ago. Futsal is just like a small community, in which we were lucky enough to meet some real friends, those who... will be friends forever and ever. One of them is surely our dear Dimitri Nicolaou, a special man whose legacy continues in our little but proud world.

As we already pointed out in the past... what Dimitri left to futsal people and his friends, in Greece as well as abroad, was so strong to survive in our minds. A good example to be followed, now that more than 10 years have gone since he joined the futsal heaven.

Year after year, season after season... we're almost shocked finding out that Dimitri's "virtual son" Futsal Hellas is still running fast, spreading the futsal gospel and passion as his "father" used to do. But that's not a surprise actually, just the result of friendship and pure futsal love. Special thanks to Yannis Mostrios: keep going friend!

Day 7 of the UMBRO Futsal Awards 2017, through the nominees for the Best National Team Coach of the World - Dimitri Nicolaou Award we don't just want to share a memory. We are here to celebrate Dimitri's life! Keep walking by our side, friend!

The list below is not just a matter of "official rankings". It's a tale of national pride, strong belief, going beyond the limits. Many ways to reach the same goal: achievements.

P.S. From all of us, a big and strong hug to Dimitri's family and friends!













Previous Editions Winners
2016 -> Diego Raul Giustozzi (ARG)
2015 -> Josè Venancio Lopez Hierro (ESP)
2014 -> Roberto Menichelli (ITA)
2013 -> Ney Pereira (BRA)
2012 -> Josè Venancio Lopez Hierro (ESP)
2011 -> Marcos Sorato Zopelini "Pipoca" (BRA)
2010 -> Josè Venancio Lopez Hierro (ESP)
2009 -> Hossein Shams (IRN)
2008 -> Paulo Cesar De Oliveira "PC" (BRA)
2007 -> Josè Venancio Lopez Hierro (ESP)
2006 -> not celebrated
2005 -> not celebrated
2004 -> Javier Lozano Cid (ESP)
2003 -> Javier Lozano Cid (ESP)*

* in this edition also clubs coaches were included in the same category

Note: Since the 2007 edition the Best National Team Coach of the World category is dedicated to the memory of our unforgettable friend Dimitri Nicolaou