Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to end the year on a high. On Saturday 27 December, he scored two goals in Al Nasr’s 3-0 win against Al Ahdoud, taking his total goal tally to 956. Furthermore, on Sunday, he won the Most Valuable Player Award at the Globe Soccer 2025 Awards.
This is undoubtedly a source of inspiration not only to his fans, but also to his own teammates and rivals such as Paul Pogba.
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In September 2023, the French midfielder tested positive for high levels of testosterone while playing for Juventus and was suspended for four years.
However, after an appeal on the grounds that he had taken the substance due to medical error, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced his suspension to 18 months. After signing a contract with AS Monaco, on November 22, the Frenchman was able to return to competitive matches after almost two years away from the field. This earned them the Best Comeback award at the award ceremony.
In his speech, he expressed deep emotion and gratitude to those who supported him during this difficult time, including his wife and children who helped him “keep smiling.”
“It wasn’t easy…It was a very important moment in my life to find out what the people who were really there for you, the people who really loved you, were when you were outside of that shining moment,” Paul said.
“This award means a lot to me and my wife… We’ve been through a lot together. She’s helped me so much and my kids make me smile,” he added.
Furthermore, Pogba did not hesitate to dedicate a few words to his idol and former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano, you are here. You inspired us all as a footballer. You did this for the next generation. Thank you very much, Cristiano.”
Paul and CR7 shared a dressing room during the Portuguese star’s second season at Manchester United (2021-22). They played 21 games together, but did not score as a team.
Pogba, who currently plays for Monaco, played three games for the club, a total of 30 minutes. But there is no doubt that his inspiration comes from his former teammates at the Red Devils.
