On 28/12/2025, Yamal received the best forward of the year award and the Maradona award for the most talented player at the Globe Soccer Awards, also known as the Dubai d'Or, which mimics France Football's Ballon d'Or.
The Spanish forward received the Maradona award, which included a Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette watch valued at 400,000 USD.
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A close-up of the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette watch. Photo: Jacob & Co |
The watch is a collaboration between Jacob & Co, a US-based luxury watch and jewelry manufacturer, and Bugatti, a global supercar maker. The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon series comprises 150 pieces, with Yamal's being one of the 18 high-end Baguette Edition models.
The watch's upper section features three spherical blocks, symbolizing the continuity of time. Its lower part draws inspiration from Bugatti's 8,0-liter V16 engine. Crafted from 18-karat white gold, the timepiece is adorned with 328 diamonds and 18 rubies. The rubies are strategically placed at the base to mimic a supercar's taillights.
The Globe Soccer Awards has recognized football achievements annually since 2010. Various companies, including BEYOND Developments, Silva International Investments, and Saltanat Diamond Gallery, sponsor the event. Jorge Mendes, a prominent transfer agent, is a co-founder.
The award selection process unfolds in two stages. Initially, the public selects finalists from a pool of candidates. The final decision then combines public votes with assessments from a jury of journalists, agents, coaches, and former players.
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Yamal (left) receives the Maradona award, including the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette watch. Photo: GSA |
Most football experts, journalists, and analysts do not view the Globe Soccer Awards as a serious, prestigious accolade akin to the Ballon d'Or or FIFA The Best. Instead, it is often seen as a commercial event with limited credibility. The awards have faced criticism for perceived bias toward Jorge Mendes, who has been named best agent almost every year for 16 years, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record for six men's player of the year awards.
At the recent ceremony, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) dominated, securing multiple awards: best men's football club, best men's player (Ousmane Dembele), best coach (Luis Enrique), discovery of the year (Desire Doue), best midfielder (Vitinha), best sporting director (Luis Campos), and best president (Nasser Al-Khelaifi).
Beyond Yamal's two accolades, Barcelona also saw Aitana Bonmati honored as the best female player. Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the best player in the Middle East award, Paul Pogba earned the comeback of the year award, and tennis star Novak Djokovic received the global sports award. Former players Hidetoshi Nakata and Andres Iniesta were recognized with the player career award.
Thanh Quy
