Two of the world's most iconic athletes shared a stage of mutual respect and admiration at a glittering ceremony in Dubai. Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo and tennis great Novak Djokovic came together at the Globe Soccer Awards 2025, held at the luxurious Atlantis, The Royal, on Sunday night.
A Night of Legends Honouring Legends
The event saw both stars being honoured for their phenomenal careers. Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic forward for Al Nassr and Portugal, clinched the award for Best Middle Eastern Player. In a memorable twist, Ronaldo himself had the honour of presenting a newly-launched Globe Sports Award to Novak Djokovic, a moment that pleasantly surprised the Serbian tennis maestro.
The highlight of the evening was the heartfelt praise Ronaldo offered for Djokovic. Standing alongside the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Ronaldo was candid about what he admires most in his fellow sportsman.
"An Example for All Generations"
When asked about his admiration for Djokovic, Ronaldo pointed directly to the incredible staying power both athletes have demonstrated at the highest level of sport. "For me, he is an example of longevity. We have a similar story," stated the Portuguese superstar.
He further elaborated on Djokovic's impact, emphasising that his influence transcends time. "He deserves this because he is an example for the past generation, the current one and the next," Ronaldo added, highlighting how Djokovic's career serves as a blueprint for excellence and resilience.
The Common Thread of Elite Longevity
The mutual respect stems from a shared understanding of the immense physical and mental toll required to remain at the pinnacle of demanding global sports like football and tennis. Both Ronaldo, at 40, and Djokovic, at 38, continue to defy age and expectations, competing with and often defeating rivals much younger than themselves.
Their interaction at the Dubai awards ceremony underscored a powerful narrative in modern sports: the pursuit of sustained greatness. The event not only celebrated their present achievements but also served as a testament to their enduring legacies, inspiring athletes and fans worldwide who witnessed this special exchange between two living legends.
