IIt is common for controversy to erupt at awards ceremonies over the selection of winners, and the Global Soccer Awards were no exception. The controversy arose after Cristiano Ronaldo was named Middle East Player of the Year for the 2024/2025 season, a recognition that for many is undeserved when compared to Karim Benzema’s individual and overall performance at Al Ittihad.
Who will be the Middle East Player of the Season in 2024-2025?
For the Global Soccer Awards, the answer is Cristiano Ronaldo. Not only because of his influence in sports, but also because of his influence in the media. Since arriving in Saudi football in 2023, the Portuguese star has managed to draw global attention to the Saudi Professional League, similar to what happened with Lionel Messi in the United States in MLS.
Cristiano Ronaldo top scorer in the tournament with 25 goals Ivan Toni Hamdallah Karim Benzema Julian Quinones
Benzema, MVP who won the title
Karim Benzema This season’s MVP Al Ittihad Cristiano Ronaldo Saudi League Benzema Saudi League MVP
Firmino and Mahrez also join the conversation
AFC Champions League Player of the Year: Roberto Firminoal Aliriyad Mahrez
He scored 13 goals and won the competition’s Golden Boot award.
These awards reinforce the impression that Cristiano Ronaldo was not the most decisive footballer in the Middle East or internationally during the 2024/2025 season. But he was the most media-friendly and ultimately carried a weight that was difficult to ignore.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that goes beyond statistics and titles, and that could tilt the situation in his favor.
