Cristiano Ronaldo named Best Middle East Player at Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai

Cristiano Ronaldo is once again proving that limits are made to be broken. At an age when most footballers have long since retired, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to redefine greatness. From chasing the historic 1,000-goal milestone to dominating prestigious Middle Eastern awards, Ronaldo’s 2025 season stands as a powerful reminder of his unmatched ambition, discipline, and hunger for success.

In this blog, we explore Ronaldo’s remarkable goal-scoring form, his relentless pursuit of football history, and why his influence in the Middle East has reached unprecedented heights.

A Legendary Career Still in Full Motion

Ronaldo’s career has been defined by evolution. From his early days in Portugal to conquering England, Spain, and Italy, he has consistently adapted his game. Now in the Middle East, many expected a slowdown. Instead, 2025 has delivered one of the most compelling chapters of his journey.

Playing for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has become the face of Saudi football’s global rise. His performances go beyond goals; they symbolise professionalism, leadership, and global appeal. Week after week, packed stadiums and record-breaking broadcasts confirm that Ronaldo’s presence has transformed the regional football landscape.

The 1,000-Goal Quest: A Historic Chase

One of the biggest talking points of Ronaldo’s career right now is his pursuit of 1,000 official career goals—a feat never achieved in modern football. By late 2025, reliable trackers place him firmly in the mid-900s, edging ever closer to history.

What makes this pursuit extraordinary is not just the number, but the method. Ronaldo has repeatedly emphasised:

Elite physical conditioning

Strict recovery routines

Mental discipline and consistency

Unlike players who rely on fleeting bursts of brilliance, Ronaldo’s approach is systematic. Each season is planned, each competition treated as an opportunity. With continued appearances for both Al-Nassr and Portugal, many experts believe the 1,000-goal mark is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.”

2025 Goal Haul: Defying Age Once Again

In 2025 alone, Ronaldo scored 40 goals across all competitions, marking the 14th calendar year in which he has reached that milestone. This achievement is staggering, especially considering he is competing against players nearly half his age.

These goals came from:

Domestic league matches

Continental competitions

Cup tournaments

His finishing remains clinical, his movement intelligent, and his ability to deliver in decisive moments unchanged. Even in his 40s, Ronaldo continues to perform at a level most forwards can only dream of reaching in their prime.

Globe Soccer Awards Triumph in Dubai

Ronaldo’s excellence in 2025 was recognised Honours on the global stage at the Globe Soccer Awards. Held on December 28, 2025, at the iconic Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, the event celebrated football’s biggest names.

For the third consecutive year, Ronaldo claimed the Best Middle East Player award. What makes this win particularly notable is the competition he faced, including:

Karim Benzema

Riyad Mahrez

Salem Al-Dawsari

Fuelled by over 30 million fan votes, the award highlights Ronaldo’s unmatched popularity and influence. It wasn’t just a trophy—it was a statement that he remains the region’s defining football icon.

Back-to-Back Honours: Saudi Arabia Recognition

Remarkably, the same day as the Dubai gala, Ronaldo was also honoured at a major Saudi Arabian award ceremony. This back-to-back recognition underlines his deep impact within the Kingdom.

Since joining Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has:

Elevated the league’s global profile

Inspired a new generation of local players

Attracted international stars and sponsorships

These awards are not only about goals or performances they reflect leadership, professionalism, and cultural influence. Ronaldo has become a bridge between Saudi football and the global stage.

More Than Goals: Ronaldo’s Lasting Influence

Ronaldo’s legacy in the Middle East goes far beyond silverware. His daily training routines, attention to nutrition, and relentless standards have raised expectations throughout the league. Young players now see what elite professionalism looks like up close.

Off the pitch, his presence has boosted:

International viewership

Commercial partnerships

Youth interest in football

In many ways, Ronaldo is not just playing in the Middle East he is helping shape its football future.