Cristiano Ronaldo claims third straight Middle East honour / Image: GlobeSoccer
Age is clearly just a number for Cristiano Ronaldo. On Sunday night, the 16th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards lit up Dubai at the luxurious Atlantis Royal hotel, where the Al-Nassr forward was officially named the Best Middle East Player for 2025.This victory marks a historic “hat-trick” for the Portuguese icon, who has now won the award every single year since it was introduced following his move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. At 40 years old, Ronaldo isn’t just participating; he is redefining the standards of football in the region.
Dubai: Best Middle East Player 2025
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was named Best Middle East Player of the Year at the 16th Globe Soccer Awards held in Dubai on December 28, 2025, cementing his status as one of the region’s most influential sporting icons. The award was presented in the presence of high-ranking officials, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano broke the news globally, stating, “Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player Award at Globe Soccer 2025,” a sentiment echoed by millions of fans who voted him into the top spotThe event took place at an invite-only gala in Dubai attended by global stars, football executives, and elite athletes. Ronaldo has now claimed this award for the third consecutive year, showcasing sustained excellence well into his 40s. Speaking on stage after receiving the accolade, Ronaldo said the ceremony remained one of his favourites and reaffirmed his strong motivation to perform, no matter the stage or setting.
Why does this Award matter?
Ronaldo’s recognition isn’t just another trophy for his storied career, it highlights how his presence in the Saudi Pro League and the broader Middle East has helped elevate the region’s football reputation globally. Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has:
- Scored more than 100 goals in all competitions for the club, deepening his impact on the Saudi league’s competitive profile.
- Played a key role in driving international attention and viewership toward Middle Eastern football.
Nominees for the award included established stars such as Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Salem Al-Dawsari, underscoring the level of competition. Ronaldo’s win reflects both his on-field performance and his broader influence in the region.
1,000-goal mission
At 40, Ronaldo shows no signs of slowing down. Beyond the award itself, one of the most talked-about moments was his bold promise: “I will reach 1,000 goals.” As of late December 2025, Ronaldo’s career tally stands around 956 goals for club and country.
- He’s actively pursuing more trophies with Al-Nassr and preparing for the next FIFA World Cup with Portugal.
His comment after winning the award emphasized his ongoing passion and commitment: he wants to keep scoring, keep winning trophies, and play as long as his body allows.
Other winners
While Ronaldo claimed the spotlight for the Middle East, the evening was a masterclass in global footballing talent. The ceremony, organized by Globe Soccer in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council, saw several other major awards handed out:
- Best Men’s Player: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) took home the top prize, edging out stars like Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
- Best Coach: Luis Enrique was honored for leading PSG to domestic and European dominance.
- Best Forward & Maradona Award: Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal walked away with two trophies, cementing his status as the future of the sport.
- Best Men’s Club: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominated the night, winning six different categories after their historic UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 campaign.
The Globe Soccer Awards are unique because they recognize the “full spectrum” of the game. Beyond the players, legendary agent Jorge Mendes won Best Agent once again, and PSG’s Nasser Al-Khelaifi was named President of the Year.Ronaldo’s presence at the event has become a cornerstone of Dubai’s sporting calendar. Speaking on his longevity and the league’s growth, Ronaldo has previously noted his pride in being a “benchmark” for the Saudi League. His influence has turned the Saudi Pro League into a destination for global stars, and with a contract running until mid-2027, the “Ronaldo Effect” shows no signs of slowing down. Go to Source
