The Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, held at Atlantis on Friday night, brought together some of the biggest names in football, including Neymar, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal, and Thibaut Courtois. Legendary players Alessandro Del Piero and Rio Ferdinand also graced the event. However, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who stole the show, both with his star power and his outspoken remarks.
Cheers erupted across the venue when Ronaldo took the stage, with chants of his iconic “siuuuu” celebration reverberating throughout the hall. Despite being just weeks away from his 40th birthday, the Al Nassr striker demonstrated that his charisma and influence remain undiminished.
Ronaldo, who received a special award for being the highest scorer in football history with 916 goals, used the platform to praise the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards for their fairness while taking aim at the Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
Ronaldo Criticizes Ballon d’Or
Moments after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was named Best Men’s Player at the Globe Soccer Awards for his contributions to the club’s La Liga and Champions League successes, Ronaldo criticized the Ballon d’Or for snubbing the Brazilian star.
“I really believe Vinicius deserved to win the Golden Ball (Ballon d’Or),” said Ronaldo, a five-time winner of the award. “He scored so many goals and even in the Champions League final. They should give you the award when you deserve it.”
The 2024 Ballon d’Or was controversially awarded to Spanish midfielder Rodri for his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 win and Manchester City’s Premier League triumph, a decision that has divided football fans.
“This is why I love the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards,” Ronaldo added. “They do an honest award every year. So many champions have attended this event because it’s always a great event.”
Eyes on the Future
Ronaldo also reaffirmed his commitment to continue playing football. “I will be turning 40 soon, but I am still motivated to carry on scoring goals. I want to become a champion in Saudi Arabia now,” said the striker, whose first season with Al Nassr ended without a trophy.
Defends Saudi League
The Portuguese star reignited the debate over the Saudi Pro League’s quality compared to Europe’s top leagues. “Saudi League is better. Ligue 1 is easy,” he said, emphasizing the challenges of playing in Saudi Arabia’s intense weather conditions.
“All the French league has is PSG. The rest is finished,” he added, drawing cheers from the crowd.
As the Globe Soccer Awards celebrated football’s finest, Ronaldo once again proved why he remains one of the game’s most compelling figures, both on and off the pitch.
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