Sheikh Mansoor fetes Globe Soccer Award winners

Mohammad Abdullah, Senior Sports Reporter

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, crowned the winners of the 14th edition of the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards in a glittering ceremony on Friday.

Manchester City once again dominated the Dubai Globe Soccer Award as they made a clean sweep of almost all the major titles.

City’s prolific scorer Erling Haalaand was named as the Best Player of the Year for his exploits with the club.

He was instrumental in City's journey to their maiden Champions League title.

He scored a total of 44 goals across all the competition and he’s now the fastest player in Premier League history to reach the magical figure 50 goal.

His stellar form helped City to Premier League glory and their first Champions League title.

It is great honour to be recognised as the Best Player of the Year. I could win the Champions League in the first season because I got a great team and team-mates," said Haalaand.

Pep Guardiola claimed the Best Coach of the Year Award for steering City to five titles in the season.

City also bagged the Best Men Club title this year. They won the English Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. 

They were bestowed with the prestigious trophy for their achievements.

 It has been a remarkable year for City as they were almost invincible. They won everything there was to be won under Guardiola.

He also became the only manager to win Champions League with three teams. He is just behind Carlos Ancelotti, who has lifted the continental title for four times.

Since Guardiola has taken the reins of City, the club has clinched the Premier League trophy for a whopping six times.

“It is a big honour to receive this trophy. It has been a great year. We will try to keep this momentum going in the next season."

Ederson, of Manchester City and Brazil, was named Best Goalkeeper. He made some brilliant saves which became decisive for City in mnay key matches.

City and Spain international Rodri took home the best Midfielder award. He is a major cog in City's defence.

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Manchester City, received Best President.

“ I want to thank the leadership and I am honoured. But honestly my work is not that difficult when we have the best club, best players, and the best coaching staff in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr and the Portuguese national team received both the Best Middle East Player and the Globe Soccer MaradonaAward. He also won the Fans’ Player of the Year.

After receiving the trophy, Ronaldo expressed his delight and gratitude.

I want to thank my coaches, my team-mates at Al Nassr for their contribution. It has been a great year. I am feeling honoured to receive this trophy.

“Both these are my first Best Middle East and Maradona Award, so I am going to keep it in my museum,” he added.

Ronaldo also congratulated City on winning a whopping six titles on Friday.

“Congratulations to City for their accomplishment. They have been amazing this year.

“Finally they were able to win the elusive Champions League trophy also. According to me, they should have won the title two years back. But everything comes on its time,” he added.

“The key to success is the dedication and the hard  work. It is also a coincidence,” said Ronaldo about him winning three Champions League titles.”

He also justified his move to an Asian club. He joined the Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.

“I think I made a right move. I wanted to take my passion for football to other continent, other league from Europe. A lot has changed in one year.”

Among the other significant winners are Jude Bellingham, the star of Real Madrid and the England team. He was honoured with the Power Horse Emerging Player Award.

Aitana Bonmati, the standout player from FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, received Best Women’s Player Award.

The title of the Best Middle East Club was received by Egyptian club Al Ahly. Jorge Mendes claimed the Best Agent award.

Barcelona was honoured with the title for Best Women's Club. Chelsea legend John Terry got the Career Player title.