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The Globe Soccer Awards, described as “more honest” than the Ballon d’Or by Cristiano Ronaldo, awarded the best of the year, with Real Madrid taking home seven prestigious trophies. The Globe Soccer Awards gala, held in Dubai, sparked plenty of discussion. Among the most significant awards, Vinícius Jr. won Best Player, Aitana Bonmat was named Best Female Player, and Cristiano Ronaldo received the Historic Top Scorer Award. Ronaldo praised the integrity of these awards and suggested that Vinícius should have won the Ballon d’Or instead. A Very Madrid-Centric Ceremony The ceremony was also notable for the sheer number of awards won by Real Madrid, with accolades spanning from players to the club president. In total, the Merengues took home seven awards. Vinícius was named Best Male Player and Best Forward, Jude Bellingham was recognized as Best Midfielder, Carlo Ancelotti was named Best Manager, Florentino Pérez received the Best President award, Thibaut Courtois was honored for his Outstanding Active Career, and finally, Real Madrid was awarded Best Male Club. In addition to these winners, Lamine Yamal was named Best Emerging Player, Neymar received the same award as Courtois, and FC Barcelona Femeni was named the Best Female Club. Ronaldo’s Bold Statements In a moment that sparked debate, Cristiano Ronaldo not only received his Historic Top Scorer Award but also the Best Player in the Middle East Award. During his speech, the “Bicho” shared his opinion that Rodri’s Ballon d’Or should have gone to Vinícius, indirectly questioning the legitimacy of other awards by stating that he prefers the Globe Soccer Awards because they are “more honest.” Ronaldo also hinted that, in the future, he may look to own a major football club. While he doesn’t see himself as a coach, he envisions a role as a club president. Regarding his compatriot Rubén Amorim, the new manager of Manchester United, Ronaldo suggested that the problems at the club go beyond just the manager. He went on to say that, if he were the owner of Manchester United, he would completely overhaul the club.

Liverpool concluded the year as undisputed leaders by thrashing West Ham. Mohamed Salah also claimed the top spot as both the league’s leading scorer and assist provider in this first half of the season. Liverpool wrapped up 2024 in emphatic fashion, delivering a 5-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium. With this triumph, the Reds finished the first half of the Premier League season as absolute leaders, amassing 45 points in 18 matches. They also have a game in hand against Everton, putting them eight points clear of the temporary second-place team, Nottingham Forest. An Unstoppable Liverpool The match at the London Stadium began brightly for the visitors. After a few early attacks, Luis Díaz found the back of the net in the 30th minute. Following an attempted pass into the box, a deflection by a defender brought the ball back to Díaz, who seized the opportunity to fire past the goalkeeper for the opener. Liverpool’s relentless offense struck again ten minutes later. In the 40th minute, a long ball from Mac Allister reached Díaz, who set up Mohamed Salah in the area. Amid defensive confusion and a misstep by the goalkeeper, Salah managed to poke the ball to Cody Gakpo, who easily slotted it home for a 0-2 lead. By the 44th minute, Salah added his name to the scoresheet. After receiving an assist from Curtis Jones, the Egyptian positioned himself just outside the penalty area and fired a shot to the near post. The goalkeeper got a hand on the ball but couldn’t prevent it from finding the back of the net, making it 0-3 before halftime. In the second half, Trent Alexander-Arnold took charge in the 54th minute, unleashing a strike from outside the box. The ball took a slight deflection off a defender’s head, altering its trajectory just enough to leave the goalkeeper rooted as the score extended to 0-4. The final blow came in the 84th minute. Salah orchestrated a counterattack from midfield, providing a perfect assist to Diogo Jota, who blasted the ball into the net to secure the definitive 0-5 victory. Salah: The Premier League’s Best Player Liverpool can now ring in the New Year with confidence, knowing their top spot is secure as they claim the title of Winter Champions. Moreover, the Reds boast the league’s standout player, Mohamed Salah, who is delivering a masterclass this season. Salah finished the first half as the Premier League’s leading scorer with 17 goals and assist leader with 14, all achieved in just 18 games.

Inter achieved an important victory yesterday against Cagliari, as with their 3-0 win, they managed to get just one point behind the Serie A leaders, with a game in hand. After the games of Atalanta and Napoli, these two teams share the lead with 41 points and 18 games played, being Atalanta first by goal difference. While Inter is third with 40 points and 17 games played, so, if they keep a steady pace, and if either of these two teams drop points, Inter could move up to first place. In the game at the Arena Sardinia, the goals were scored by Alessandro Bastoni at 53′, Lautaro Martinez at 71′, and Hakan Calhanoglu from the penalty spot at 78 minutes. Cover image: X (@Inter)