Portugal and Juventus star, Cristiano Ronaldo has beaten Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Mohamed Salah to the “Player of the Century” award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday.
The 35-year-old Ronaldo secured more than 21 million votes in the global online voting through which the winner of the award was selected.
His compatriot and agent, Jorge Mendes also won the “Agent of the Century” award which Ronaldo received on his behalf at the award gala.
Poland and Bayern Munich striker, Robert Lewandowski was named Player of the Year, while his club manager, Hansi Flick received the “Coach of the Year” award, having won the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles in the past season.
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Real Madrid clinched the “Club of the Century” award, just as Pep Guardiola was award “Coach of the Century”.
Shortly after receiving the award, Ronaldo shared a photo of himself clinching the award statuette with the caption:
“Coudn’t be happier with tonight’s award! As I’m about to celebrate my 20th year as a professional footballer, Globe Soccer Player Of The Century is a recognition that I receive with so much joy and pride!
“Once again, great Gala tonight in Dubai at such an amazing place as Burj Khalifa.
“Congratulations to Robert Lewandowski on his Player Of The Year Award, to Hans-Flick as Coach Of The Year and to Pep Guardiola as Coach Of The Century.
“Also to Casillas and Piqué for their Career Awards, and last but not least, congrats to my friend Jorge Mendes on his Agent Of The Century Award.
“Finally I must thank, once again, to the Dubai Royal Family for the respect, friendship and hospitality that I allways receive in wonderfull Dubai, and to all the fans that voted for me in such a huge worldwide online voting with over 21 million votes.”