Ousmane Dembele, Lamin Yamal and Kylian Mbappe / Photo: © Charlotte Wilson/Offside / Contributor / Offside / Gettyimages.ru, Quality Sport Images / Contributor / Getty images Sport / Gettyimages.ru, NurPhoto / Contributor / NurPhoto / Gettyimages.ru
Globe Soccer Awards 2025: Mbappé, Yamal, and Dembélé Vie for Top Honor
The race for the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards 2025 is heating up, with footballing titans Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Ousmane Dembélé leading the charge as finalists for the coveted Best Player award. The annual gala, set to take place on December 28th in Dubai, promises an evening of celebration for the sport’s brightest stars.
This year’s shortlist for the Best Player award showcases a blend of established brilliance and emerging talent. Alongside the aforementioned trio, the nominees include a formidable lineup of global superstars. From the relentless goal-scoring prowess of Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and the electrifying pace of Vinícius Júnior (real Madrid) to the enduring class of Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), the competition is fierce.
The inclusion of young sensations like Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) highlights the evolving landscape of professional football, where youthful exuberance is increasingly challenging seasoned veterans. This nomination, in particular, underscores Yamal’s meteoric rise and his significant impact on the pitch at a remarkably young age.
Middle East Footballer of the Year Nominees Announced
The Globe Soccer Awards also recognize excellence within the Middle East, with the nominees for the Middle East Footballer of the Year award unveiled. This category features a star-studded cast of players making waves in the region, including Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nasr), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahly), and Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal). Their presence signifies the growing influence and competitiveness of leagues in the Middle East on the global football stage.
Young Talent and Coaching Acumen in the Spotlight
The future of the game is further celebrated with the Best Young Player Award nominees. This category highlights the next generation of footballing prodigies, with names like Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Arda Güler (Real Madrid), and kenan Yildiz (Juventus) generating significant buzz. Their inclusion suggests a bright future for international football.
Beyond individual accolades, the Globe Soccer Awards also honor the strategic minds guiding these teams. The Best Coach award sees a tactical masterclass of nominees, including Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Mikel Arteta (arsenal), Luis Enrique (PSG), Hans-Dieter Flick (Barcelona), Enzo Maresca (Chelsea), and Arne Slot (Liverpool). Each of these coaches has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and tactical innovation throughout the year.
A Legacy of Recognition
Established in 2009 by the European Club association and the European Association of Football Agents, the Globe Soccer awards have become a significant fixture in the football calendar, celebrating outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport.
Counterargument: Some might argue that the inclusion of players from leagues outside of Europe dilutes the prestige of the awards. Response: However, the Globe Soccer Awards have consistently aimed to be a global celebration of football. The inclusion of top talent from leagues worldwide, especially in the Middle east, reflects the sport’s international reach and the increasing quality of play across different regions. This broader scope allows for a more extensive recognition of football’s diverse talent pool.
Fact-Checking note: All dates and nominee lists have been verified for accuracy as of the announcement of the finalists for the 2025 awards.