Mbappe, Xabi honoured at inaugural KAFD Globe Soccer Awards Europe

Under a beautiful night sky and in front of some of European football’s brightest stars, PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, and FC Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal were among the major winners at the inaugural KAFD Globe Soccer Awards Europe in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia Tuesday.

A glittering ceremony in the luxurious grounds of Hotel Cala di Volpe marked the first European edition of the Globe Soccer Awards, which have been held for the past 14 years in Dubai to recognise the best talents worldwide. With shortlists for five of the 10-plus awards decided by a fan vote earlier this month, a star-studded jury of football industry luminaries selected the final winners crowned on Tuesday evening.

The goal of the KAFD Globe Soccer Awards Europe is to recognise European football excellence both on and off the field. Alongside Mbappe and Alonso, a full catalogue of football industry figures from past and present were in attendance, including FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, three-time Champions League winner Fernando Morientes, former England manager Fabio Capello, current Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, and presidents, chairmen, and CEOs of some of the continent’s most prominent clubs and organisations.

Mbappe, the French striker whose contract with his Parisian club expires at the end of June, took to the stage amid applause from his peers to collect the KAFD Best Player award. Mbappe said: “It’s an honour to be here – I see some great players, managers, legends. It’s always great to see everybody recognise your game. I want to thank my club; I know my president is here. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of this event. It is part of my journey. I want to work hard to keep my name in the history of football. There is a lot still to do and I am far away from what I want to achieve, but I will start this summer with the Euro and then the next step of my life. I can’t wait.”

The superstar’s moment came minutes after Alonso, who led his Leverkusen side to an undefeated domestic double and the final of the Europa League, received Best Coach from Pedro Proença, President of Liga Portugal. Addressing an audience of more than 400 guests, Alonso said: “It has been a real pleasure to see old colleagues and friends here tonight in this beautiful setting. I’m proud to receive this award, not just for myself but for all Bayer Leverkusen. What we have lived this year has been phenomenal, a fantastic journey. It felt special since the beginning, all the connections we created with the fans, the players, the staff. We’ve been able to have a dream season.”

The Emerging Player award was won by FC Barcelona’s 16-year-old winger Yamal, who scored five goals and notched eight assists in 37 LALIGA appearances this season, while Xavier Puig, the Barcelona director responsible for women’s football, collected the Best Women’s Club award on behalf of FC Barcelona Femeni. Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano likewise received Best Men’s Club on behalf of the Premier League winners. All five winners – Mbappe, Alonso, Yamal, FC Barcelona, and Manchester City – also received a gold “Road To Dubai” medal from Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, confirming their qualification for the year-ending Dubai Globe Soccer Awards this winter in the UAE.

Other Globe Soccer winners included Atalanta, who received the Revelation Award after winning the Europa League and qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League; Nasser Al Khelaifi, Chairman of the European Clubs Association and President of PSG, who collected the Football Leadership Award; Cesc Fàbregas accepted the Comeback Award on behalf of Como after his Lombardy side was promoted to Serie A for the first time in 21 years, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received Best Coach Premier League from former Gunner Fàbregas after leading his swashbuckling side to within just two points of the English title.