Age proved to be merely a statistic for footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo as he once again dominated the regional honours. The 16th edition of the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards, held at Dubai's opulent Atlantis Royal hotel on Sunday night, saw the Al-Nassr forward officially crowned the Best Middle East Player for 2025.
A Historic Hat-Trick of Triumphs
This latest accolade is not just another trophy for the Portuguese megastar; it marks a historic and unprecedented achievement. Ronaldo has now won this specific award every single year since its inception, completing a perfect hat-trick following his high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. At 40 years old, his victory sends a powerful message about sustained excellence and his transformative impact on football in the Middle East.
The glittering invite-only gala in Dubai was attended by a global who's who of football stars, executives, and elite athletes. The award was presented in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano was among the first to break the news to the world, a announcement that was celebrated by millions of his fans whose votes helped secure his top position.
More Than an Award: The Ronaldo Effect
Ronaldo's recognition transcends personal glory. It underscores how his presence at Al-Nassr has been a catalyst for elevating the profile of Middle Eastern football on the global stage. Since his arrival in 2023, his influence has been quantifiable and profound.
His key contributions include:
- Scoring more than 100 goals across all competitions for Al-Nassr, significantly boosting the league's competitive intensity and appeal.
- Driving unprecedented international attention and viewership towards the Saudi Pro League and regional football.
This year, he faced stiff competition from other elite stars like Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Salem Al-Dawsari, making his win a testament to both his on-field performance and his overarching cultural influence.
The Relentless Pursuit of 1000 Goals
Perhaps the most electrifying moment of the evening came when Ronaldo, after receiving his award, made a bold declaration about his future ambitions. "I will reach 1,000 goals," he promised. With his career tally standing at approximately 956 goals for club and country as of late December 2025, the mission is clearly in sight.
In his stage speech, Ronaldo reaffirmed his undiminished passion, stating that the Globe Soccer ceremony remains a favourite and emphasising his strong motivation to perform at the highest level, regardless of the setting. He aims to continue scoring, winning trophies with Al-Nassr, and is actively preparing to lead Portugal in the next FIFA World Cup, intending to play for as long as his body permits.
A Night of Global Football Celebrations
While Ronaldo's win highlighted Middle Eastern football, the awards night, organised by Globe Soccer in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, was a celebration of global talent. Other major winners included:
- Best Men’s Player: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), who edged out competitors like Kylian Mbappé.
- Best Coach: Luis Enrique, honoured for guiding PSG to domestic and European dominance.
- Best Forward & Maradona Award: Barcelona's teenage phenomenon Lamine Yamal, who won two trophies.
- Best Men’s Club: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which won six categories after a historic UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 season.
The awards also recognised off-field contributions, with legendary agent Jorge Mendes winning Best Agent and PSG’s Nasser Al-Khelaifi named President of the Year.
Ronaldo's annual appearance at the Dubai event has become a cornerstone of the sporting calendar. With his Al-Nassr contract running until mid-2027, the 'Ronaldo Effect' continues to attract global stars to the Saudi Pro League, showing no signs of diminishing as he redefines athletic longevity.
