“I don’t see this trophy as the end of a career, but rather the continuation of what I’ve achieved, with effort, dedication, and discipline. If I could, I would only play for the national team now and not for any other club. It’s the pinnacle for a football player, and that’s why I’m still here. I think I continue to contribute a lot to the national team and to football itself. I learn every day from these younger people; it’s a privilege,” Cristiano Ronaldo said during his acceptance speech.
The Portuguese “star,” named as the best in the world five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017), also stated his goal of winning the next two matches, against the Republic of Ireland and Hungary, and securing a place in the 2026 World Cup, while remaining grounded.
“The goal is to win the next two games to get closer to the World Cup. We’ll see about the World Cup soon. We must focus exclusively on these two matches. We all have this dream, but we must take it step by step,” urged the Portuguese national team captain.
At the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, many of the country’s leading figures in football, futsal, and beach soccer were present at an event that also honoured the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who won the Globo Excelência award.
During Pedro Proença’s seven months at the FPF, four national teams won trophies, with the Portuguese men’s national football team winning the Globo Seleção do Ano award after winning the Nations League in June.
Diogo Jota
“Winning the Nations League is a reflection of hard work, dedication, and team spirit. Above all, it symbolizes and supports the strength we receive from an entire country. I always remember those who are no longer with us, but who remain alive in our memories and hearts. Diogo Jota’s strength will always be with us,” recalled coach Roberto Martínez, referring to the late player.
All European champions, the U-17 men’s national soccer team received the Golden Generation Globe, while the U-19 men’s futsal and women’s beach soccer teams received the Revelation Globe during this ceremony.
The four Portuguese players from French club Paris Saint-Germain (Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos) received the Globo Stars of the Year award after a season in which they won everything except the Club World Cup. Pedro Neto of English club Chelsea was awarded the Globo Impacto Mundial award for this achievement – Dário Essugo was overlooked.
Benfica president Rui Costa and Sporting coach Rui Borges took the stage to receive the Globo Merit Sports award for their respective clubs’ national women’s and men’s titles, with André Villas-Boas, for FC Porto, receiving the Globo Aposta no Feminino award, representing the Dragons’ women’s team, which won the third division in its debut season.
Artur Jorge received the Coach’s Globe for winning the Libertadores Cup while playing for Brazilian side Flamengo, while Ricardinho received the Career Globe, which recently concluded in futsal, after winning six World Player of the Year trophies.
The Covilhã Volunteer Firefighters Humanitarian Association received the Foundation Globe in a ceremony that also included tributes to Diogo Jota, Jorge Costa, and Aurélio Pereira, among other figures who have recently passed away.