The 2024 edition of the Globe Soccer Awards took place at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, on December 27, showcasing some of the most prominent figures and rising stars from the world of football. Among the standout winners was Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, who claimed the prestigious titles of Best Player and Best Forward, affirming his rise to stardom following a stellar year. Notably absent from the proceedings was Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who chose to resolve urgent club matters over attending the high-profile event.
The Globe Soccer Awards, founded in 2010 by football agent Jorge Mendes, along with Tommaso Bendoni and Riccardo Silva, have grown significantly, celebrating not just players, but all stakeholders in the game—including coaches, agents, and directors. This year’s ceremony marked the 15th iteration of the event. It attracted attention from fans and industry players alike, witnessing over 100 million votes from across the globe, surpassing past engagement records.
Vinicius Junior's remarkable year culminated with accolades for his exceptional contributions to Real Madrid's successes, which included winning La Liga, the Champions League, and numerous other trophies. "I'm delighted to be here and to collect this award surrounded by all these players. I have to thank Real Madrid, my teammates, and the people who have worked with me so I can be here, playing at the highest level," he expressed during the ceremony.
Alongside Vinicius, English midfielder Jude Bellingham earned accolades as Best Midfielder and the Maradona Award, reflecting his impact within the sport at such a young age. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr, took home awards for Best Middle East Player and Top Goal Scorer of All Time, reinforcing his legendary status. During the event, Ronaldo recognized Vinicius' talent, stating, "He should have won the Golden Ball this year. That's why I want to thank the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai because they do honest awards."
Despite the festive atmosphere, questions lingered around the absence of Joan Laporta at the awards. While he had traveled to Dubai, Laporta opted to work from his hotel after learning the court denied precautionary measures for player Dani Olmo's registration, prompting urgent actions to resolve registration issues before the looming deadline of December 31.
This absence from such a noteworthy event speaks volumes about the often neglected behind-the-scenes struggles club management faces, even amid the glamour of high-profile football events. Barcelona, striving to find solutions to register Olmo, had planned to sell VIP ticketing at Camp Nou, seeking necessary financial inflow. Laporta remained engaged with the board, leaning on trusted associates to represent the club at the awards.
Ceremonies like the Globe Soccer Awards reflect the vibrant nature of modern football, with the awards covering diverse categories. Noteworthy mentions included Aitana Bonmati being named Best Women’s Player, and FC Barcelona taking home the award for Best Women’s Club. The event also featured award recipients across various career achievements, including the 50th Anniversary Career Award honoring Alessandro Del Piero and recognition for Neymar Jr. and Rio Ferdinand.
Bringing together distinguished figures, the ceremony wasn’t just about the awards but also about what they represent—excellence, dedication, and the power of sports to uniting cultures. Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, underscored the importance of athletes as ambassadors of hope, urging them to use their success to inspire future generations.
The evolution of the Globe Soccer Awards over the years from just recognizing players to encompassing coaches, sporting directors, and agents showcases the comprehensive nature of the event. The jury features former players, current stars, and executives from various levels of the sport, ensuring the awards are well-rounded.
Overall, the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards emitted the glamour and excitement synonymous with football’s elite, celebrating not just individual achievements but also the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and ambition endemic to the beautiful game. With illustrious names like Vinicius Junior leading the way, the future of football looks bright, and awards like these help propel the sport to new heights.
