Cristiano Ronaldo Honors Novak Djokovic with Globe Award in Rare Crossover Between Sporting Legends

Former World No.1 and 24-time Major champion Novak Djokovic became the first winner of the Globe Sportsman of the Year award.

Cristiano Ronaldo Honors Novak Djokovic with Globe Award in Rare Crossover Between Sporting Legends

Cristiano Ronaldo, Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Danny)

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One thing that’s pretty common between Novak Djokovic and Cristiano Ronaldo is that, in spite of reaching the twilight of their respective careers, they still have hunger, and they still want to achieve more glory by prolonging their careers. Retirement thoughts are not at all on the back of their minds.

On Sunday (December 28), they met at the Global Sports Awards held in Dubai. The Serbian became the first recipient of the Globe Sportsman of the Year award, given to him by none other than the soccer legend.

Prior to honoring the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Ronaldo was given the Middle East Player of the Year award for his performance with Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr. Later, the 40-year-old called Djokovic a great example for this generation and the generations to come.

I think it is, I don’t want to speak so much, I prefer that I (don’t) speak, but for me it is his example. When you have people as an example, he speaks the words coming by himself. So, for me example (in) longevity. We have a similar story. So I think he deserve (the award) because he is a great example for this generation, all generations, the generation (that) is going to come. So, he deserves this.

Cristiano Ronaldo said

Djokovic then returned the praise and shared how Ronaldo’s presence during his matches at the Madrid Open (when Ronaldo used to play for Real Madrid) used to bring a great deal of pressure.

So, you know, I’m very thankful to hear these words from him and also thankful to call him friend. You see someone who has won everything, and yet still wants more. Even though we are in different sports, we can support each other and show future generations that there are no limits. This award sends a powerful message. Sport can change lives. When Cristiano says he will reach 1,000 goals, you see the power of the mind. The mind controls everything.

Novak Djokovic said

Since the inauguration of the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo has received the most awards- 14 trophies, six of which were the best player of the year awards.

Francisco Cerundolo names his favorite player between Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal

Francisco Cerundolo never competed against Roger Federer but lost a match against Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal each. He recently sat for an interview with Infobae during which he was asked to name his favorite Big 3 player.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/AllAboutHQ)

I liked Federer because of his playing style. You watch him play, and it’s a feast for the eyes. The three of them, along with Nadal and Djokovic, are the best in history, but I think Federer was the one I enjoyed watching the most.

Cerundolo finished the season with a 38-25 win-loss record and at the 21st position on the rankings table. The three-time ATP singles titlist failed to win a trophy this year.

While Nadal and Federer hung up their rackets at the 2024 Davis Cup and 2022 Laver Cup, respectively, Djokovic will continue his search for his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title next year.

This year, the 38-year-old reached the semifinals of every Major and made the finals of three tournaments. Although he failed to beat Jakub Mensik at the Miami Open, he went past Hubert Hurkacz to win his career’s 100th singles title, becoming the third man after Federer and Jimmy Connors to reach the tally.

Later in the first edition of the Hellenic Championship in Athens, Djokovic clinched the trophy by defeating Lorenzo Musetti. He then skipped the ATP Finals for the second consecutive time. Nole finished the season on the fourth spot on the rankings table with a 39-11 win-loss record.

Also read: Ex-ATP Pro Convinced No One Other Than Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz Can Win 2026 Australian Open: “Difficult to Imagine”