The “CR7” effect is once again descending upon the Arabian Gulf. Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al Nassr captain and global football icon, has confirmed his return to Dubai for the 16th edition of the Beyond Developments Globe Soccer Awards, scheduled for Sunday, December 28, at the ultra-luxury Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah.
The Portuguese superstar, who has long considered Dubai a “second home” and a frequent stop for his trophy collection, headlines a star-studded list of finalists. This year, the focus is squarely on the Best Middle East Player trophy, a category that has become a flashpoint for the growing prestige of the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
A Battle of Titans in the Desert
While Ronaldo has dominated the Globe Soccer Awards for over a decade winning more than 15 individual honors including “Player of the Century” this year’s race for the regional crown is arguably the most competitive in the event’s history.
Ronaldo faces stiff competition from a local hero and fellow SPL luminaries:
- Salem Al-Dawsari: The Al Hilal talisman and reigning Asian Player of the Year.
- Karim Benzema: The Al-Ittihad forward and Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid partner.
- Riyad Mahrez: The Al-Ahli winger who has revitalized the Jeddah side’s attack.
“Ronaldo doesn’t just attend these events; he defines them,” says Tommaso Bendoni, CEO of Globe Soccer. “His commitment to the game in this region has elevated the standards of every nominee on that list.”
The 900-Goal Milestone and Beyond
The 2025 ceremony comes at a poignant time for Ronaldo. Having recently surpassed the historic 915-goal mark in official matches, his candidacy for the Middle East’s top honor is backed by a year of relentless scoring for Al Nassr. His presence at the ceremony is expected to be a major boost for the “Eastern Data, Western Computing” vision of the organizers, as the event continues to bridge the gap between European football tradition and the rising power of the Middle East.
What to Expect at Atlantis The Royal
The 16th edition promises more than just the crowning of the Best Middle East Player. For the first time, Spain’s LaLiga will also present its 2024-2025 season awards in Dubai, featuring a sweep by FC Barcelona stars like Raphinha (Best Player) and Lamine Yamal (Best Emerging Player).
The event will be attended by a “Who’s Who” of footballing royalty, with a jury featuring legends such as Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo. For Ronaldo, a win on Sunday would not only add another trophy to his cabinet but also solidify his legacy as the chief architect of the Middle East’s footballing revolution.