It was a memorable night for Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday as he was voted Player of the Century at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.
The Juventus forward, 35, became the first man to receive the honour during the ceremony at Armani Hotel in Dubai, overcoming competition from Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Mohamed Salah.
“It’s a great achievement, I’m so proud and happy,” said a beaming Ronaldo.
“Thank you to Globe Soccer, to everyone who voted for me, my teammates, the clubs that I played for, the national team, my family, my friends, especially my children and my girlfriend – they’re always with me, they always help me to be a better player and person."
Apart from Ronaldo and a star-studded guest list that included the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique, what also stood out was the Portuguese great's accessories.
Ronaldo was was decked out in diamonds worth a small fortune. In fact, this is not the first time he has 'iced out' in Dubai.
During the 2019 edition of the conference, he wore one of most expensive timepieces ever crafted by luxury watchmaker Rolex - the diamond-studded GMT-Master Ice.
That timepiece was estimated to be worth $480,000 with nearly 30 carats of diamonds.
Ronaldo paired the timepiece with a diamond band on his wedding finger, and a canary diamond ring on his middle finger. The total collection was estimated to be worth $810,000 (Dh 3 million).
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Cristiano Ronaldo after being voted Player of the Century at the 2020 Dubai Globe Soccer Awards at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer -
Player of the Century Cristiano Ronaldo -
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, presents Robert Lewandowski with the Player of the Year award. Globe Soccer -
Robert Lewandowski accepts the Player of the Year award at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer -
Robert Lewandowski accepts the Player of the Year award at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer -
The award winners at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer -
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas with his Player Career Award alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Globe Soccer -
Robert Lewandowski accepts the Player of the Year award at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer -
Gianni Infantino and Cristiano Ronaldo. Globe Soccer -
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique with his Player Career Award alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Globe Soccer -
Bayern Munich attacker Robert Lewandowski with his Player of the Year award alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Globe Soccer -
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. Globe Soccer -
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is presented with his Player Career Award by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid. Globe Soccer -
Cristiano Ronaldo at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa. EPA -
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel atBurj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Barcelona player Gerard Pique at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Fifa president Gianni Infantino arrives at the Armani Hotel in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Retired Egyptian footballer Mahmoud El-Khatib, President of Egypt's al-Ahly Sporting Club arrives at Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani hotel at the Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Fifa president Gianni Infantino arrives at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards at Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Barcelona player Gerard Pique at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Barcelona player Gerard Pique at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Antonie Robertson / The National -
British boxer Amir Khan. Getty -
Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Getty -
Cristiano Ronaldo embraces Player of the Year award winner Robert Lewandowski. Reuters -
Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Reuters -
Left to right: Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich, and Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo. EPA
