Mansoor crowns winners of Globe Soccer Awards

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), on Friday, crowned the winners of the 15th Globe Soccer Dubai Awards at ceremony held at Atlantis, The Palm.

The prestigious annual gala, held in conjunction with the 19th Dubai International Sports Conference, celebrates excellence in playing, coaching, and management within the international football community.

Notable winners included Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Jr, honoured as Best Player, and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, recognised as Best Coach. Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese superstar and Al-Nassr forward, received awards for Best Middle East Player and Top Goal Scorer of All Time.

Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinícius Jr was also awarded Best Forward, while Jude Bellingham, the rising English midfielder, captured a dual accolade as Best Midfielder and recipient of the Maradona Award. Lamine Yamal, the Spanish teenager making waves at Barcelona, was named Emerging Player.

Sheikh Mansoor congratulated the winners on their awards and outstanding achievements, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to excellence. He urged them to continue pursuing greatness, not only in their sports but as ambassadors of hope and resilience.

Mansoor further emphasised the unifying power of sports in connecting cultures and inspiring future generations. He encouraged the winners to use their success to promote collaboration, spread positive values, and champion inclusivity both on and off the field.

Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, also attended the award ceremony along with officials of various Dubai government departments and leading officials from global clubs, organisations and federations.

The event started with the presentation of the Dubai Globe Soccer Digital Awards.

Alessandro Del Piero, the Italian legend and Juventus icon, was honoured with the 50th Anniversary Career Award. Neymar Jr., the Brazilian and Al Hilal SFC superstar, was celebrated for his flair and success with clubs like Barcelona and PSG. Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United and England defensive superstar, was recognised for his outstanding career. Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian goalkeeper, was acknowledged for his heroics with Real Madrid and Belgium.

Aitana Bonmati, the standout player from FC Barcelona and the Spain national team, received the Best Women’s Player award. Al Ain Club of the UAE won the award for Best Club in the Middle East. The award was received by Sheikh Sultan Bin Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the club. Jorge Mendes, representing the agency Gestifute, claimed the Best Agent award. Hugo Viana, of Sporting CP, received the award for Best Sporting Director. FC Barcelona was honoured with the award for Best Women’s Club. Real Madrid was named Best Men’s Club. Florentino Perez, Chairman of Real Madrid, received the Best President award.

There were 15 main awards presented, including Best Men’s Player, Best Women’s Player, Best Men’s Club, Best Women’s Club, the Maradona Award and five Career Awards.

The Beyond Globe Soccer Dubai Awards has already captured global attention, with more than 100 million votes cast by fans from more than 200 countries and territories, eclipsing the previous record of 70 million.

Dhs30,000, with 100 per cent of the funds raised going to the Al Jalila Foundation, a global healthcare organisation dedicated to advancing medical research, education, and treatment.

Founded on Nov.30, 2005, following a decree by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Sports Council is the official body responsible for the development of the sports sector in the Emirate.

The council supervises the work of Dubai’s seven local sports clubs and takes active interest in encouraging the practice of physical activity in society, especially among women and children, through programs and activities designed to create awareness about the importance of sport and physical activity, and to make it a way of life for the community.