On December 29, 2025, the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards witnessed a historic moment: Portuguese superstar Ronaldo claimed the Best Middle Eastern Player of the Year for the third consecutive time, becoming the first three-peat winner in the award’s history. This milestone not only etched a new record in Middle Eastern football but also thrust the 40-year-old legend back into the global spotlight. Amid a star-studded candidate list, he narrowly edged out Riyad Mahrez with a 37.8% vote rate, silencing doubts with consistent, stable performances that underscored his enduring brilliance.
Three-Peat Foundation: Unabated On-Field Dominance at 40
The glory of the three-peat is rooted in relentless dedication on the pitch. Entering his 23rd professional season, the forward’s efficiency in the Saudi Professional League remains astonishing. In 2025, he featured in 45 games across all competitions, netting 40 goals—an average of nearly 0.89 goals per game, outperforming many young forwards in Europe’s top five leagues.
He secured the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot with 25 goals last season and has already bagged 12 goals this term, leading the scoring charts and powering Al Nassr to the top of the standings with a 10-game winning start. His core value shines brightest in key matches: in his 1,300th official career game during the milestone 11th round of the Saudi Pro League, he scored twice to seal a 3-0 victory.
In the AFC Champions League, a crucial first-half assist fueled a 5-1 win, propelling Al Nassr to group stage qualification with six consecutive wins. This cross-league dominance laid the solid foundation for his consecutive awards.
Beyond Goals: Reshaping Middle Eastern Football’s Landscape
Globe Soccer Awards officials emphasized that the selection considers not only on-field performances but also a player’s comprehensive impact on regional football. Since joining the Saudi Professional League, Ronaldo has completely altered the trajectory of Middle Eastern football.
The once-overlooked league has gained global media exposure, with broadcast rights coverage expanding significantly and commercial value soaring exponentially. Former Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad noted that his 200 million euro annual salary is justified, as he is the only foreign player capable of bringing global attention to the Saudi Pro League.
Data supports this: Al Nassr’s social media followers have surged multiple times, jersey and ticket sales have continued to rise, and local sports tourism has boomed. This cultural influence beyond football itself grants him a unique edge in the selection.
Three-Peat as a New Start: Marching Toward the 1,000-Goal Milestone
The three consecutive Best Middle Eastern Player awards are not only a recognition of his personal ability but also a tribute to his professional spirit. His career goal tally now stands at 956, just 44 shy of the 1,000-goal milestone. Based on his current efficiency, he is expected to achieve this historic feat in the first half of 2026. For a legend who believes “age is just a number,” the three-peat is merely a new starting point. As he continues to grace the Middle Eastern football field, Ronaldo will undoubtedly keep writing his legendary story.
