Dubai closed out the year with one of football’s most glittering nights, as the city hosted the 16th Globe Soccer Awards at Atlantis The Royal, bringing together a constellation of global stars, club leaders, legends and rising talent for a celebration of excellence in the beautiful game. More than two decades since its inception, the Globe Soccer Awards have become a fixture in the global football calendar.
At the centre of the evening was Cristiano Ronaldo, who was crowned Best Middle East Player, underscoring both his enduring impact and the continued rise of football in the region. Now in the latter stages of a remarkable career, Ronaldo’s influence goes beyond goals and performances; his presence has helped shape conversations about football’s expansion outside traditional European strongholds and has drawn global attention to Saudi Arabian football in particular.
But the awards weren’t just about a single moment or name. Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a standout night, recognising both club and individual achievement after a season that included domestic dominance and European success. Ousmane Dembélé was named Best Men’s Player after a standout campaign that culminated in PSG’s historic Champions League victory, while Aitana Bonmatí made history by being crowned Best Women’s Player for a third consecutive year. International finalists were chosen following a global fan vote involving more than 30 million votes, alongside expert panels that spanned players, coaches and football legends.
Beyond the winners, the ceremony illustrated the UAE’s ambition to host world-class sporting experiences that resonate globally. Framed by the glittering backdrop of the Arabian Gulf and supported by passionate local audiences. As the football world looks ahead to 2026, with a World Cup on the horizon and continued shifts in global leagues and talent pipelines, Dubai’s Globe Soccer Awards stand as a reminder that the region is becoming a serious contributor to the sport’s evolving narrative.
