Monitoring Desk
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo has been honoured with Globe Soccer’s Maradona Award for Best Goalscorer of the year, recognising his outstanding performances for Portugal and Al-Nassr.
Following a challenging 2022, Ronaldo found his stride in the following year, netting a remarkable 54 goals in 59 matches for both club and country.
The impressive tally stands as Ronaldo’s highest goal count within a single calendar year since 2017, solidifying his position as the leading scorer in the world of football throughout 2023.
Cristiano achieved this milestone ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe (52 goals in 53 games) and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane (52 in 57 games), per Fan Nation.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland finished the year with 50 goals in 60 matches.
In the ongoing 2023-2024 Saudi Pro League, he has already notched up 20 goals, per Transfermarkt, as Al-Nassr aims to close in on the commanding lead of league toppers Al-Hilal.
Meanwhile, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus ace is in the running for multiple awards at the prestigious Dubai Globe Soccer Awards ceremony, including Best Men’s Player, Best Middle East Player, and Fans’ Favourite Player, GOAL reports.
The event is set to take place at The Atlantis Palm on January 19. The greatest scorer of all time
While the ongoing GOAT debate persists over who reigns supreme between Ronaldo and archrival Lionel Messi, the Al-Nassr captain holds the edge in one area.
Ronaldo boasts an outstanding 873 career goals for both club and country, making him the all-time leading goalscorer in world football.
Demonstrating his typical elite attitude, the 38-year-old expressed pride in his achievements and signalled his hunger for further success and goals.
2023 was a great year for Harambee Stars captain, Michael Olunga.
He helped Al Duhail win the Qatar Stars League for the eighth time in May and took home the Golden Boot after scoring 22 goals.
The Kenyan striker bagged 35 goals for club and country in 2023, beating the likes of World Cup winner, Lionel Messi and Nigerian superstar, Victor Osimhen.
20 of his goals came in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, while 12 came in the current league season. His other goals came in the National Cups and International Club tournaments, per IFFHS.
Cristiano Ronaldo had another incredible year and finished on top of the list with 54 goals ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland.
Olunga reacted by sharing the list on X with a biceps emoji. He is currently Kenya’s best player, but unfortunately, he won’t be gracing the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
