It is customary for controversies to arise at awards ceremonies over the choice of the winner and the Global Soccer Awards were no exception. The controversy arose after Cristiano Ronaldo was named Best Middle East Player of the 2024/2025 season, a recognition that for many is undeserved if compared to the individual and collective performance of Karim Benzema with Al-Ittihad.
Who is the 2024-2025 Middle East Player of the Season?
For the Global Soccer Awards, the answer is Cristiano Ronaldo, due not only to his sporting impact, but also to his media impact. Since his arrival in Saudi Arabian soccer in 2023, the Portuguese star has managed to attract global attention to the Saudi Pro League, something similar to what happened with Lionel Messi and MLS in the United States.
Cristiano Ronaldotournament’s top scorer with 25 goalsIvan ToneyHamdallahKarim BenzemaJulian Quinones
Benzema, the MVP who lifted the title
Karim BenzemaMVP of the seasonAl-Ittihad
Cristiano RonaldoSaudi leagueBenzemaSaudi League MVP
Firmino and Mahrez also enter the conversation
AFC Champions LeagueBest Player went to Roberto FirminoAl AhliRiyad Mahrez
won the Golden Boot of the tournament, with 13 goals.
These awards reinforce the feeling that Cristiano Ronaldo was not the most decisive footballer either locally or internationally in the Middle East during the 2024/2025 season. But he was the most media-friendly and in the end that has a weight that is difficult to ignore.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that transcends statistics and titles, something that could have tipped the balance in his favor.
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