Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the player of the entury at the Globe Soccer Awards which was held in Dubai.
Ronaldo claimed the award ahead of long time rival Lionel Messi and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Ronaldo and Messi have dominated football’s individual awards for more than a decade with the Portuguese forward winning five Ballon d’Ors – one less than the Barcelona star.
Ronaldo has enjoyed a trophy-laden career since making his debut in 2002 and that has continued even in recent years. Following success at United and Real Madrid the forward moved to Italy.
The 35-year-old has claimed the Serie A title in each of his two seasons so far to go alongside La Liga and Premier League medals.
Ronaldo also already has five UEFA Champions League trophies to his name, a joint record.
He said on Twitter: “Couldn’t be happier with tonight’s award! As I’m about to celebrate my 20th year as a professional footballer, Globe Soccer Player Of The Century is a recognition that I receive with so much joy and pride!”
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The Portugal international representative Jorge Mendes was named the Agent of the Century. Madrid, where Ronaldo is the all time leading goalscorer, were named the Club of the Century.
The Spanish side have won five Champions Leagues since 2000 with their much craved La Decima title coming in 2014.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola was named Coach of the Century having enjoyed hugevsuccess with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now currently Manchester City.
