‘A great honor’: Cristiano Ronaldo wins Player of the Century at Globe Soccer gala, Lewandowski wins Player of the Year gong

Cristiano Ronaldo was crowned ‘Player of the Century 2001-2020’ at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday, while the Player of the Year 2020 award was given to Bayern Munich hitman Robert Lewandowksi for an exceptional season.

Ronaldo, a six-time winner of the Player of the Year award at the annual ceremony, lost out in the category to Bayern Munich’s Polish marksman Robert Lewandowski on this occasion, but the Portuguese star didn’t leave the event empty-handed.

He was accorded the honor of Player of the Century 2001-2020 at the event, held in the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa.

Some online commenters were quick to point out that Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s chief rival for much of his career, has won the best player award only once, back in 2015. By contrast, he has won six Ballon d’Or titles.

Ronaldo was joined at the gala by his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, along with the likes of Gerard Pique, Robert Lewandowski, and British boxer Amir Khan.

A combination of votes from fans all over the world and the Dubai Globe Soccer Jury handed Lewandowski his latest triumph.

Ronaldo was a happy man as he discussed his Player of the Century win. “It is an exceptionalachievement,” he said. 

“It gives me the motivation to move forward. To be named the best is a great honor.

"I hope that this [pandemic] situation is over next year and that we can have more fun. I hope to still be able to play for more years.”

Don’t worry, Ronnie – we expect there will be the Lifetime Achievement Award to look forward to when you do finally call time on your career.