Cristiano Ronaldo once again defied the concept that age is just a number as he was declared the winner of the Best Middle East Player category in the Globe Soccer Awards 2025, which took place on Sunday night in Dubai. The glittering ceremony, in its 16th year, was hosted at the Atlantis Royal hotel and saw global football icons and sporting royalty assemble at one of the most coveted events in the world of football.
The Al-Nassr forward became the first player to win the honour three years in a row at 40 years old after becoming the first recipient of the award category when he made the move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. The victory not only highlights the greatness of Ronaldo in his lifelong brilliance on the field but also the transformative effect that he has on football in the Middle East.
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A Historic Night in Dubai
Ronaldo was awarded the title of Best Middle East Player 2025 in the presence of the top dignitaries, one of whom is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The invite-only event attracted some of the most elite athletes, football legends, and industry leaders worldwide and strengthened the growing reputation of Dubai as the host of major sporting events around the world.
Fabrizio Romano, a renowned football journalist, announced the news to millions of fans all over the world, and Ronaldo won the vote in a voting exercise that was organized by fans. Accepting the award on the stage, Ronaldo spoke of the Globe Soccer Awards as one of his most favourite events and he confirmed that he was more than determined to continue playing to the best of his ability, no matter his age or the league.
Why This Award Matters
The fame of Ronaldo is much more than individual awards. His victory is a representation of how his introduction in Saudi Arabia changed the way football is perceived in the Middle East. Since joining Al-Nassr in 2023, Ronaldo has:
- Scored more than 100 goals in all competitions for the club
- Elevated the competitive profile of the Saudi Pro League
- Driven unprecedented global viewership and commercial interest in Middle Eastern football
- Inspired a wave of elite players to consider the region as a serious footballing destination
The competition for the award was intense, and the nominees, among others, were Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Salem Al-Dawsari. The triumph of Ronaldo is an indication of his outstanding performance on the field and his unparalleled impact off the field.
The 1000 Goal Mission
The most talked-about moment of the night was Ronaldo’s renewed commitment to his personal milestone. Speaking confidently, the Portuguese superstar reiterated his big dream: “I will reach 1,000 goals.”
By the end of December 2025, Ronaldo will have amassed approximately 956 goals for club and country. Given his consistent scoring form, his dream of winning a title with Al-Nassr, and his preparations for the next FIFA World Cup with Portugal, this milestone seems imminent.
Ronaldo made it clear that his hunger remains the same. He wants to keep scoring, keep winning trophies, and keep playing for as long as his body allows—a mindset that has defined his illustrious career.
Other Big Winners at Globe Soccer Awards 2025
Although Ronaldo dominated the Middle East scene, the evening was a glorification of greatness in the entire world of football. The awards were arranged by Globe Soccer in association with the Dubai Sports Council, and all the performance was recognized in various categories:
- Best Men’s Player: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Best Men’s Club: Paris Saint-Germain, which won six awards following a historic Champions League and Ligue 1 campaign
- Best Forward & Maradona Award: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), the teenage sensation redefining football’s future
- Best Coach: Luis Enrique for PSG’s domestic and European dominance
In addition to players and clubs, power brokers of football were also recognized through the ceremony. Best Agent was once again named the legendary agent Jorge Mendes, and the President of the Year award was given to Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is the president of PSG.
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The Ronaldo Effect in Dubai and Beyond
Ronaldo’s appearance at Globe Soccer Awards has been a staple of the sporting calendar of Dubai. What is more important is that his influence is still changing the face of football in the region. His contribution is beyond question, and he has already mentioned that he is a benchmark of the Saudi Pro League.
The so-called Ronaldo Effect does not seem to slow down, as his Al-Nassr contract has a validity through the middle of 2027. His legacy in the region is already well-established, as evidenced by the attendance at stadiums and the growing number of broadcasts, not to mention the growing recognition of Middle East football by other countries around the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo has proven that greatness does not go away with time, but it changes with time by winning the Best Middle East Player three consecutive years. His impact has made the Saudi Pro League a target all over the world and has solidified the status of Dubai as the venue of international sporting events.
A Legacy Still in Motion
The third consecutive Best Middle East Player award to Cristiano Ronaldo is not only an occasion to celebrate what has already been accomplished, but he is here to testify that the best is yet to be written. Ronaldo is still in control, motivating and pursuing the impossible at a time when most players are well off retirement age. Under the brightest lights in Dubai, once again, football yielded to its most ceaseless icon.