The 15th annual Globe Soccer Awards lit up Dubai on December 27, 2024, showcasing the pinnacle of football excellence gathered under one roof for a glamorous night of recognition. This year's event saw top players, coaches, and clubs celebrated for their outstanding achievements over the past year, maintaining the awards' reputation as one of the most significant celebrations of the sport.
Leading the accolades was Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, who took home the award for Best Men's Player. Following closely was Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati, who was named the Best Women's Player, after her stellar performances helped her team secure multiple titles including the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa de la Reina this year.
New stars also shone during the ceremony as Barcelona's Lamine Yamal was awarded Best Emerging Player. His recognition is well-deserved, as Yamal has captured attention for his impressive skills on the pitch, contributing to both club and national team success. At just 17 years old, he expressed joy and gratitude during his acceptance speech, saying, "I am very proud of this season and I want to thank my family, Barça, the Spanish national team, and the Barça coaching staff, now with Hansi Flick."
Real Madrid came out as the dominant club of the night, garnering the award for Best Men's Club, along with Carlo Ancelotti being recognized as Best Coach. The club's successful year, marked by key victories, showcases their strength and consistency at the top of club football.
Other notable nominations included Jude Bellingham, who was celebrated for his contributions to Real Madrid and received the Best Midfielder award. Bellingham's transition to the club has been seamless, gaining him accolades and respect from fans and players alike.
On the women's side, Barcelona not only took home individual honors but also secured the award for Best Women's Club, reflecting their continued dominance and commitment to excellence. The team’s success this year has been unmatched, establishing them firmly at the top of women's football.
The ceremony also recognized key figures beyond just the clubs and players. Jorge Mendes, one of the sport’s most successful agents, clinched the Best Agent award for the 12th time, underlining the significant role agents play within the football industry. The awards do not shy away from highlighting contributions behind the scenes.
Saudi Arabia's emergence as a new footballing hub was also evident, with Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for Best Middle Eastern Player, following his impactful move to Al Nassr. Although not highlighting the individual accolades at this ceremony, Ronaldo’s presence continues to be significant as he reflects on his storied career, recently breaking the 900-goal milestone. The Globo Soccer Awards pay homage to this legacy with recognition for his enduring influence on the game.
Another special award went to Neymar, who received the Best Career award, acknowledging his wonderful footballing achievements accumulated over years spent across top clubs like Barcelona and PSG as well as his contributions to Brazil's national team.
Meanwhile, the voting for the awards involved extensive input from fans and professionals within the sport, with 80% of the outcome derived from jury voting, ensuring credibility and fairness. A panel of 28 jurors, including former players and football executives, helped determine nominees and finalists.
The event marked not just achievement but also opportunity, with Middle Eastern players highlighted, as reflected by categories including Best Middle Eastern Player and club. This local focus reflects the growing football scene, particularly as Dubai becomes a popular host for high-profile events, marrying sport with culture.
Overall, the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards were not just about who won, but also about celebrating the sport at large—recognizing the camaraderie, dedication, and talent of those involved. It stood as a reminder of the global reach of football and its ability to unite diverse backgrounds, showcasing moments of brilliance and hope for the future of the sport.
The event begins to wrap up with tradition, as awards prior established this as not merely an event but soon to be celebrated on the world stage, with the anticipation for what is to come as the 2025 edition approaches, promising even more excitement to football fans around the globe.
