Dubai, 31 December 2014 –The fifth annual ‘Dubai Football Gala & Globe Soccer Awards’ – presented by Audi’ welcomed some of the game’s most recognised names, including Portuguese world soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid Coach; Carlo Ancelotti and Colombian 2014 World Cup star James Rodriguez.
Organised by Dubai Sports Council, Globe Soccer and supported by Al Nabooda Automobiles, the official dealer of Audi in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the star-studded awards ceremony took place at Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah last night as part of the Dubai International Sport Conference dedicated to leading football operators.
An illustrious awards panel made up of representatives from the European Football Agents Association (EFAA) and European Club Association (ECA), as well as other personalities from the world of football decided the winners of the 15 categories.
Current UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid stole the show, taking home seven of the 15 Awards, including the “Best President of the Year” Award for Florentino Perez.
Tipped for his third FIFA Ballon d’Or early next month, Cristiano Ronaldo capped off a memorable year by winning the “Best Player of 2014” Award and the popular “Marca Fan’s Favourite Player” accolade.
Carlo Ancelotti was honored with the Audi sponsored “Most Successful Coach” Award, whilst also picking up the “Best Media Attraction in Football” trophy.
Ali Al Nabooda, General Manager, Audi Al Nabooda said: “Football is a particular passion for Audi across the Globe, and especially for us in Dubai following this year’s World Cup fever. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome all these famous football stars every year at the Audi Football Night.
“The evening saw some of the most dedicated and hard-working names in football being honored for their excellence both on and off the pitch this year.”
The winners of the Dubai Football Gala & Globe Soccer Awards 2014 are:
- Best Club of the Year – Real Madrid
- Player Career Award – Filippo Inzaghi
- Best Referee of the Year Award – Nicola Rizzoli
- Special Award – Riccardo Montolivo
- Special Award – Vadim Vasilyev
- Best Media Executive – Riccardo Silva
- Special Award – Atletico De Madrid
8. Best President of the Year Award – Florentino Perez
9. Best Coach of the Year – Carlo Ancelotti
10. Best Media Attraction in Football – Carlo Ancelotti
11. Best Revelation Player of the Year – James Rodriguez
12. Best Player of the Year – Cristiano Ronaldo
13. Best Agent of the Year – Jorge Mendes
14. Marca Fan’s Favorite Player – Cristiano Ronaldo
15. Special Award – Mehdi Benatia
Globe Soccer has partnered with the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre as part of its ‘Globe Soccer Dream for Children’ charity project and is also supporting Make a Wish Foundation UAE.
Organised by Dubai Sports Council, Globe Soccer, in collaboration with BC Bendoni Communication, the conference and Gala event is dedicated to the football market operators who, together with the clubs, leagues, federations and football institutions, are able to extend their network of contacts and bring themselves up to date with the most important current issues.