A Dream Collaboration! Cristiano Ronaldo Presents Novak Djokovic with the Inaugural "Global Sports Award"

Last Sunday local time, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, attended the 16th "Global Football Awards" ceremony in Dubai where the Serbian superstar received the "Global Sports Award." The award was presented by the legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, further enriching Djokovic's impressive list of achievements.

At 40 years old, Ronaldo expressed great admiration during the award presentation: "For me, he (Djokovic) is an example to follow. He represents athletes with a long-lasting career. We share similar stories and experiences. Therefore, I believe he truly deserves this honor because he is an excellent role model for this generation and all younger generations to come." Ronaldo has won the Best Middle East Player award three years in a row and expressed his goal to reach 1000 career goals before retirement (currently at 956).

In his acceptance speech, Djokovic said: "I am truly surprised and deeply honored to stand here. Receiving this trophy from another sports legend is a dream come true. I am a devoted football fan, here to celebrate the achievements of everyone present. Being nominated and winning this award is incredibly gratifying. I am very thankful for what (Ronaldo) said, and I am grateful to have built a friendship with him — he genuinely inspires me."

The "Global Sports Award" that Djokovic received is a newly established honor this year, created to recognize athletes or teams who have shaped their era, dominated their fields, and inspired the world beyond competition.

Additionally, Djokovic attended the opening ceremony of the World Sports Summit, also held in Dubai, where he reiterated in an interview his desire to compete through the 2028 Olympics: "I truly want to keep going. I previously said the Los Angeles Olympics is my guiding goal, but honestly, anything is possible. What I want now is to keep moving forward because my passion and love remain strong. As long as you stay competitive and your body allows it, why should I stop?"

In the 2025 season, Djokovic won his 100th and 101st tour titles in Geneva and Athens respectively. He reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slams and is currently ranked fourth in the world. According to his schedule, he will make his season debut at the ATP 250 Brisbane tournament in the first week of the new year, then head to Melbourne to chase his 25th Grand Slam title. The 2026 Australian Open will be held from January 18 to February 1.

(Article and editing by Wang Fei, images courtesy of Visual China)