Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Best Middle East Player at the 16th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai on Sunday.
The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward beat strong competition from Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez and Salem Al-Dawsari to win the fan-voted award, which recognises outstanding performers across Middle Eastern leagues. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on X, announcing Ronaldo as the winner.
This latest honour marks Ronaldo’s second consecutive victory in the category, following his win in 2024, and further underlines his lasting impact since joining Al-Nassr in 2023. Despite being in the later stage of his career, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star continues to deliver at an elite level.
Ronaldo enjoyed a prolific 2025 campaign, scoring 40 goals since his February birthday, an exceptional achievement for a player in his fifth decade. His consistency, leadership and influence have been central to Al-Nassr’s domestic and continental ambitions.
The Globe Soccer Awards, established in 2010, celebrate excellence across global football, honouring players, coaches, clubs and football executives. At this year’s ceremony, Paris Saint-Germain were named Best Men’s Club after a historic season that included winning the UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France.
Individual awards also went to Luis Enrique (Best Coach), Vitinha (Best Midfielder), Désiré Doué (Emerging Player) and Luis Campos (Best Sporting Director), rounding off a night celebrating football’s finest achievements.
