Ronaldo, Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr. steal the spotlight at 15th Globe Soccer Dubai Awards
Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate the star-studded celebration at Atlantis, The Palm
DUBAI: The 15th Globe Soccer Dubai Awards took center stage at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, bringing together football’s elite to celebrate excellence in the sport.
Held alongside the 19th Dubai International Sports Conference, the event highlighted the unifying power of football, recognising players, coaches, and clubs that defined the 2023-24 season.
From stunning individual performances to historic team triumphs, the awards night showcased the best the sport had to offer. Fans from around the world actively participated, casting over 100 million votes, underscoring the global appeal of the event.
Cristiano Ronaldo dominates again
Cristiano Ronaldo added two significant awards to his already impressive resume: Best Middle East Player and Top Goal Scorer of All Time. he accolades highlighted his stellar 2023-24 season with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he scored an astounding 44 goals and provided 13 assists in 45 appearances.
Ronaldo also secured the league’s Golden Boot with 35 goals, outperforming other top scorers in the region.
Accepting the awards, Ronaldo reflected on his career trajectory and hinted at his future plans. While he ruled out a coaching career, he teased the possibility of club ownership, saying, “I’m not a coach. I’m never going to be a coach. President of a club? No. Maybe owner of the club.”
With 917 career goals and counting, Ronaldo’s legacy remains unmatched, and his dominance in the Middle East football scene is a testament to his enduring prowess.
Vinícius Jr. and Bellingham steal the show
Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham shone brightly at the ceremony, cementing their status as two of the most exciting talents in the game.
Vinícius Jr. was awarded Best Player and Best Forward, recognising his impact during the 2023-24 season. The Brazilian winger scored 24 goals and provided 9 assists in 39 matches, helping Real Madrid secure their 15th Champions League title. At just 23, he became the youngest player to score in multiple Champions League finals, breaking Lionel Messi’s record.
Jude Bellingham, only 21, continued his meteoric rise, winning the Best Midfielder award and the Maradona Award for Best Player of the Year. His exceptional performances for Real Madrid were complemented by his vital role in England’s journey to the European Championship final. Bellingham’s maturity on and off the pitch has made him a fan favourite and a key figure in his club and national teams’ success.
Both players expressed their gratitude during their acceptance speeches. Bellingham, in particular, paid tribute to his family, especially his mother, saying, “This journey wouldn’t be possible without my mum, who’s been my greatest supporter.”
Tributes to legends and rising stars
The ceremony honoured football legends whose contributions have transcended generations.
Italian icon Alessandro Del Piero received the 50th Anniversary Career Award, while Neymar Jr. and Rio Ferdinand were celebrated for their remarkable careers.
The future of football was also recognised, with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona winning the Emerging Player award. At just 16, Yamal has already shown extraordinary potential, marking him as one to watch in the years ahead.
Club dominance
Real Madrid was named Best Men’s Club, a reflection of their success on the domestic and international stage, while FC Barcelona was awarded Best Women’s Club, recognising their dominance in women’s football. Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, also received the Best President award for his leadership in steering the club to new heights.
Global fan engagement
Fan engagement reached new levels this year, with over 100 million votes cast from 200 countries via the Globe Soccer app and online platforms. This record-breaking participation highlights football’s universal appeal and the awards’ ability to connect fans with their idols.
The ceremony also included the Dubai Globe Soccer Digital Awards, celebrating innovation and creativity in the digital football space, further bridging the gap between fans and the sport.
A vision for the future
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasised the importance of football as a unifying force. In his address, he congratulated the winners and encouraged them to use their influence to inspire the next generation, promote inclusivity, and foster global collaboration through sports.