Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was named Middle East Player of the Year for the third consecutive time at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, underscoring his enduring excellence on the pitch.
The 40-year-old forward outshone top contenders including Karim Benzema, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Riyad Mahrez, having scored 40 goals across all competitions in 2025, demonstrating his remarkable consistency and form.
Speaking after receiving the honor, Ronaldo delivered an emotional message about his passion for the game. “It’s very hard to play more, but my passion is high, and I’m ready to play more,” he said. “Whether I play in the Middle East or in Europe, I love playing football, scoring goals, and winning trophies.”
He then revealed his ultimate ambition: “You all know my goal. I want to win more trophies and I want to score a thousand goals. If I don’t get injured, I will definitely score a thousand goals, Inshallah.”
Ronaldo currently has 956 career goals across club and international football, meaning he needs just 44 more goals to reach his historic target.
Fans across social media celebrated his achievement and determination, with many praising his dedication, humor, and relentless pursuit of greatness. Comments ranged from playful jokes to heartfelt admiration:
- “InshaAllah? He’s a Muslim now?”
- “Every time he says InshAllah publicly he gets a €1M bonus from Saudi,” joked one user.
- “Musalmano Ronaldo”
- “You can’t hate this man,” said another.
- “Classic Ronaldo, aiming for the ultimate goal, let’s go!”
Ronaldo’s unwavering drive continues to inspire millions, as he chases yet another milestone in a legendary career that shows no signs of slowing down.