Dubai: A record-equalling 70 million votes was cast in the first round of polling for the 15th Global Soccer Dubai Awards. The record number of votes have determined the finalists across eight of the 12 main categories ahead of a prestigious gala, set to take place alongside the 19th Dubai International Sports Conference, organised by Dubai Sports Council, on December 27 at Atlantis, The Palm.
The first round of public voting closed on Monday, with more than double the amount of votes registered at the same stage of 2023, and participation from over 200 nations worldwide.
Additionally, the Globe Soccer mobile app has surpassed 1.5 million downloads, underlining the event’s global appeal.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland will be vying to retain his Best Men’s Player award at the 15th edition of the showpiece event at the five-star venue, with club teammate Rodri, Real Madrid trio Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, as well as legendary duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among the stars standing in his way.
10-man shortlist
The Norwegian is also a contender in the 10-man shortlist in the Best Forward category, which includes City colleague Phil Foden, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane. The Best Midfielder category consists of the aforementioned Bellingham and Rodri, with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka also in the running.
The Best Women’s Player category has a 12-player shortlist, which includes Spain’s World Cup-winning duo Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo and Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen. Meanwhile, reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Spanish giants Real Madrid are among the outfits competing for Best Men’s Club, with FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich part of a final four-shortlist contesting the Best Women’s Club.
Fans have until December 10 to vote for their favourites at vote.globesoccer.com, with the final winners determined by a combination of fan votes and the Globe Soccer Jury, which is made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo.
