TThe football world has its eyes set on Dubai to host the next 2025 Globe Soccer Awards, which will be held at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal Hotel on Sunday 28 December. In its 16th year, the prestigious event had all eyes on the Best Middle Eastern Athlete category, with a head-to-head competition filled with nostalgia and competitive spirit.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the current title holder and the only player to win the award since its creation in 2023, faces a familiar threat. Among the candidates is former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, who is looking to dethrone the Portuguese star in a region where both currently shine.
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. scores his first goal of the season for Al Nasr U16
Stars Cristiano Ronaldo competes with
The road to winning the award was not easy for Al Nasr’s captain. In addition to Benzema (Al Ittihad), the list of candidates includes Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahly), Salem Al Dausari (Al Hilal), N’Golo Kante (Al Ittihad) and Ivan Toni (Al Ahli).
The controversy is being sparked by several players from European football who are currently pursuing their careers in a league that is not getting much attention, but is slowly growing and marking a new era in soccer.
Despite the fierce competition, Ronaldo’s numbers in 2025 are still impressive:
He scored 30 goals and provided three assists in 34 games played during the calendar year, leading the Saudi Professional League in scoring over the past two seasons and setting a record with 35 goals in the 2023-24 season. This season, he has been the driving force behind Al Nasr’s perfect run of nine consecutive league wins.
Award for fans
The final decision is in the hands of fans, as this is one of nine categories that will be voted on by the public around the world.
Ronaldo is yet to lift a major trophy with Al Nasr, but his personal influence and ability to revolutionize the Saudi league keep him the favorite to maintain his reputation in Dubai’s celebratory tournament.
There is no doubt that there will be a great deal of nostalgia for the fans who vote for this award, as they will have to choose between a great man who was at the top of Europe and a great man who is now gradually approaching the end of his career.
