At the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Cristiano Ronaldo took the stage not as a winner, but as a host of history presenting Novak Djokovic with the inaugural Globe Sports Award for transcending tennis and redefining elite longevity. The emotional exchange highlighted mutual respect, resilience and sport’s power to inspire across disciplines.
The 16th Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai expanded beyond football this year, introducing the Globe Sports Award to honour athletes who have transformed their sport and inspired generations worldwide. Ronaldo, fresh from being named Middle East Player of the Year, personally handed the debut trophy to Djokovic, calling him an “example of longevity” and a role model for past, present and future athletes.
Djokovic, visibly moved, called receiving the award from Ronaldo “a dream come true” and spoke about unseen struggles behind his success, from early hardships to marathon battles like his iconic 54-shot rally against Rafael Nadal. Both icons underlined that age is secondary to discipline, mentality and the desire to keep pushing limits.
Key highlights
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Inaugural Globe Sports Award: Introduced at Globe Soccer 2025 to recognise cross-sport “game-changers” beyond football; Djokovic named first-ever recipient.
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Ronaldo’s tribute: CR7 praised Djokovic’s longevity, resilience and example for future generations, stressing that “sport is global” and greatness extends beyond football.
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Djokovic’s reaction: Serbian star expressed gratitude, reflecting on “trials and tribulations” behind his 24 Grand Slams and lauding Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals as proof of elite mentality.
Ronaldo’s own honour: Alongside presenting the award, Ronaldo was named Middle East Player of the Year, reinforcing his status as the face of the region’s football boom.
Sources: Gulf News, Dubai Eye 103.8, Globe Soccer / official videos, beIN SPORTS & YouTube event coverag