Haaland Crowned King, Pep Rules the Bench: Unveiling the 2023 Globe Soccer Award Winners!

Manchester City stood out as the big winners at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards on Friday night, held on Palm Jumeirah at Atlantis, The Palm. In the 14th edition of the awards, in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, City clinched six prestigious honors, marking their stellar 2022/23 season.

The remarkable triumphs of winning the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the FA Cup were acknowledged with chofairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak named Best President, Pep Guardiola as Best Coach, and the team honored as Best Men’s Club.

The awards ceremony, graced by a substantial City delegation, including the 25-man squad currently in the UAE for a warm-weather training camp, was a joyous occasion. The winners were determined through the engagement of over 70 million fans from 225-plus countries and territories, underscoring football’s global appeal.

Erling Haaland, the prolific City striker, claimed the spotlight as the Best Men’s Player, outshining formidable competitors like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappe. Haaland, presently recuperating from a foot injury, expressed gratitude to his teammates and manager for the incredible support received from the club’s administration and leaders.

“I hope really soon because I’m getting sick of not playing. So hopefully soon,” Haaland remarked when queried about his anticipated return from injury.

🏆 Congratulations to ERLING HAALAND on winning the 2023 ⁣#GlobeSoccer Award for ⁣BEST MEN’S PLAYER 👏@ErlingHaaland pic.twitter.com/nn7TM6CjLn
— Globe Soccer Awards (@Globe_Soccer) January 19, 2024

Guardiola, acknowledged as the Best Coach, attributed the success to various factors, including unwavering support from Abu Dhabi, the club’s owner. Guardiola lauded his players and expressed joy in the UAE, where Abu Dhabi played a pivotal role in backing the club.

In a lighthearted comparison, Guardiola likened choosing between his triumphant Barcelona side and the current City team to selecting between “your mum and dad. Both are special.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s captain, left an indelible mark at the awards, securing three honors. Ronaldo was named Best Middle East Player, received the Globe Soccer Maradona Award for most goals scored in a calendar year, and was crowned Fans’ Favourite Player of the Year.

In his acceptance speech, Ronaldo extended thanks to his teammates, coaches, and family for the unwavering support during his remarkable 2023, where he netted 54 goals. The Fans’ Favourite Award held special significance for Ronaldo, highlighting the importance of bringing joy to fans and acknowledging their passion for football.

🏆 Congratulations to CRISTIANO RONALDO on winning the 2023 ⁣#GlobeSoccer Award for FANS’ FAVOURITE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 👏@Cristiano @NakheelOfficial pic.twitter.com/b5KzgUZgWk
— Globe Soccer Awards (@Globe_Soccer) January 19, 2024

Other notable awardees included Jude Bellingham, recipient of the Power Horse Emerging Player Award, and Aitana Bonmati, honored as Best Women’s Player. FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC were recognized as the Best Women’s Club and Best Middle East Club, respectively.

Casemiro and John Terry received Player Career Awards, while Lionel Scaloni, the coach who guided Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in 2022, received a Coach Career Award.

The extensive list of winners showcased the diversity and global impact of football, with recognition given to players, coaches, clubs, and influencers from various regions. The Dubai Globe Soccer Awards celebrated the unity of the sport and the shared passion among millions of fans worldwide.