A fierce competition between the giants of the Roshan League for the Globe Soccer Award
In a clear reflection of the tremendous development witnessed in Saudi Arabian football, the Globe Soccer Awards announced its final shortlist for the 2023 Best Player in the Middle East award, with stars from the Saudi Professional League (SPL) dominating the list. Competing for the prestigious award are four of the biggest names in world football: Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr; French star Karim Benzema, striker for Al-Ittihad; Algerian Riyad Mahrez, winger for Al-Ahli; and Saudi star Salem Al-Dawsari, captain of Al-Hilal.
What are the Globe Soccer Awards? Background and History
The Globe Soccer Awards are a prestigious annual event held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the first edition taking place in 2010. Organized in partnership with the European Association of Player Agents (EFAA) and the European Club Association (ECA), the awards carry significant weight and credibility within the global sporting community. Over the years, the awards have gained widespread recognition and become a key platform for honoring the best players, coaches, clubs, and agents in world football, and are often considered an important indicator preceding the announcement of the FIFA and Ballon d'Or awards.
The importance of nominations and their impact on Saudi football
The presence of four players from the same league on the shortlist for a major regional award is a testament to the remarkable progress made by the Saudi Professional League. Having attracted global stars like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Mahrez, the league is no longer just a final destination for established players, but has become a competitive hub attracting top talent. This nomination not only honors individual players but also puts the Saudi league in the global spotlight, enhancing its marketing and media value. Furthermore, the inclusion of a prominent Saudi player like Salem Al-Dawsari, winner of the AFC Player of the Year award, alongside these international stars underscores the quality of local players and their ability to compete at the highest levels.
A look at the four candidates
Each nominee presents a compelling case for winning the award. Cristiano Ronaldo delivered an exceptional performance with Al-Nassr, shattering scoring records. Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad as a Ballon d'Or winner, adding formidable attacking power to his team. Riyad Mahrez, fresh from a historic treble-winning spell with Manchester City, showcased his remarkable skills with Al-Ahli. Meanwhile, Salem Al-Dawsari continues to shine as one of the most important players in the history of Saudi and Asian football, consistently delivering high-level performances for Al-Hilal and the national team. The winner will be announced at a grand ceremony in Dubai in January 2024, as part of the 14th edition of the awards.
Other international awards
In addition to the Best Player in the Middle East award, the Globe Soccer Awards include other equally important categories, most notably the Best Player in the World award, which saw the nomination of brilliant names such as Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, Liverpool player, and Frenchman Ousmane Dembele, Paris Saint-Germain star, making the ceremony the focus of attention for football fans around the world.
