- Soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo's son is just like his father: Hangs in the air to score a CR-style header
- Soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo vindicates goal tally and defends Saudi Pro League: It's better than the French league
Cristiano Ronaldo, recently honored at the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards, was handed the Best Middle East Player prize and the prestigious 'Maradona Award.'
The Portuguese forward, who scored an impressive 54 goals last year, has given an interview, emphasising his ongoing prowess and determination.
"It's difficult to score goals, whether in Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, or Portugal," Ronaldo told Record.
"A goal is a goal. In a way, I feel even more proud to have surpassed [Erling] Haaland, [Kylian] Mbappe, and [Harry] Kane."
Reflecting on the surprise surrounding his goal-scoring achievements, especially after a period of scepticism, Ronaldo highlighted his focus and exceptional preseason with Al-Nassr.
"I know I still have a lot of potential, and I know I can score many goals for Al-Nassr and the national team," Ronaldo added. "So, it has been a spectacular year on a personal level."
Criticized the awards
When questioned about perceptions of the Saudi Arabian league, often considered less competitive, compared to Lionel Messi's recent win of The Best award while playing in the United States, Ronaldo showed familiarity with such discussions.
"I am used to it, and I know how these organizations work," Ronaldo noted.
"To be honest, I didn't watch The Best awards ceremony.
"I think, in a way, these awards are losing credibility. The entire season needs to be analyzed. I don't want to say Messi didn't deserve it, or Haaland or even Mbappe.
"Simply, I no longer believe in these awards. And it's not because I won at Globe Soccer. But they are facts, they are numbers. And numbers don't deceive."