The 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, held on Friday, 27th December, 2024 in Dubai, was a dazzling celebration of football’s greatest, where extraordinary talents and achievements were recognized across various categories. The star-studded event was an unforgettable spectacle, with players, clubs, and officials all shining brightly.
However, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who truly stole the spotlight. Receiving the Best Middle East Player award, the Portuguese legend made waves with his thought-provoking remarks on his career and his opinions on the prestigious Ballon d’Or. Ronaldo didn’t hold back when discussing this year’s controversial selection.
When asked about a potential move into coaching, Ronaldo firmly dismissed the idea but teased another exciting possibility.
“Becoming a head coach or manager? No… but maybe I could become a club owner,” he said, sparking intrigue about his future ambitions.
The football icon also took a moment to express his unwavering love for Manchester United, saying:
“I love Manchester United. I want the best for them. The problem is not the coach; it’s something different.” Reflecting on the ever-competitive football landscape, Ronaldo praised Real Madrid’s resilience, stating, “People don’t expect Real Madrid to be good at the beginning, but in the end… they are now ahead of Barcelona.”
His words ignited further discussion when he boldly claimed that the Saudi Pro League outshines France’s Ligue 1.
“Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest are finished,” Ronaldo declared, adding a challenge to those doubting the league’s strength. “Try to sprint in 38, 39, 40-degree weather and see…”
Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer, also sparked a heated debate when he shared his thoughts on this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, stating that Vinícius Júnior deserved the prestigious award over Spain’s Rodri.
“In my opinion, he (Vinícius Jr.) deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. It was unfair,” Ronaldo said during the ceremony. “I’ll say it in front of everybody. They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but I think they should’ve given it to Vinícius because he won the UCL and scored a goal in the final. When you deserve the award, you should give them the award.”
The Real Madrid legend didn’t stop there, further praising the Globe Soccer Awards for their transparency and merit-based approach.
“This is why I love Globe Soccer Awards, as they are honest. Vinícius Jr. clearly deserved to be the winner,” he added.
Alongside Ronaldo, Aitana Bonmatí and FC Barcelona Femení were recognized for their dominance in women’s football, and legends like Alessandro Del Piero and Florentino Pérez were celebrated for their remarkable careers.
Notable winners from the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards
- Best Agent: Jorge Mendes
- Best Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
- Special Career Award: Florentino Pérez
- Best Club: Real Madrid
- Best Middle East Club: Al Ain
- Best Middle East Coach: Jorge Jesus
- Best Sporting Director: Piero Ausilio
- Best Middle East Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
- Best Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmatí
- Best Women’s Club: FC Barcelona Femení
- Special Career Award: Alessandro Del Piero
- Player Career Award: Rio Ferdinand
- Player Career Award: Thibaut Courtois
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