Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet just got a little more crowded. On Sunday, December 28, 2025, the Portuguese icon was crowned the Best Middle East Player at the 16th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to redefine the peak of a professional athlete, beating out fierce competition from Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), and Salem Al-Dawsari (Al Hilal) to take home the prize for the second consecutive year.
"I Will Reach 1,000 Goals": The Bold Promise
The highlight of the night wasn't just the trophy, but Ronaldo’s defiant acceptance speech. Standing on stage at the Atlantis The Royal, the Al Nassr captain addressed the one question on everyone’s mind: When will it end?
"I will reach 1,000 goals for sure, if I stay injury-free," Ronaldo declared. "It doesn't matter if I play in the Middle East or Europe; my passion is high and I want to continue. I am confident I will get there."
Ronaldo currently sits at 956 career goals, leaving him just 44 strikes away from the historic four-figure milestone.
The Stats That Secured the Award
Ronaldo’s 2025 has been nothing short of staggering. He has transformed the Saudi Pro League into his personal playground while leading Al Nassr to their best-ever start to a season.
Goals in 2025: 40 (marking the 14th calendar year he has hit 40+ goals).
2025/26 Season: 12 goals in 10 league matches.
The Record: On Saturday, just 24 hours before the ceremony, he scored a brace to lead Al Nassr to a 10th consecutive win—the first time any team in league history has won their opening 10 games.
Club Milestone: In 2025, he became the first player in history to score 100 goals for four different clubs (Man Utd, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr).
The Road to 1,000: What’s Next?
Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr runs until 2027, giving him ample time to chase the 1,000-goal mark. With Al Nassr currently four points clear at the top of the table and the AFC Champions League knockouts approaching, the "CR7" era in the Middle East is reaching its absolute zenith.
The Verdict: Love him or hate him, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the most influential figure in global football. This award isn't just a recognition of his goals; it’s a tribute to a player who has successfully shifted the center of gravity in world football toward the Middle East.