Watch | Globe Soccer Awards: Cristiano Ronaldo named Player of the Century

The five-time Balon d'Or winner was awarded as the greatest football player from 2001 to 2020 ahead of his old-rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

Dubai: Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo was named Player of the Century at the Globe Soccer Awards on Sunday.

The five-time Balon d'Or winner was awarded as the greatest football player from 2001 to 2020 ahead of his old-rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

"A great achievement for me. As I've said before this gives me the motivation to carry on with my life, with my football, with my motivation. It's great to be part of this event with these amazing players and to be nominated for the best one, it's a great honour for me. So, I hope next year this is going to be over. I mean the epidemic and you can enjoy more with more happiness and families," Ronaldo said after bagging the award.

The Juventus forward also took to social networking site to express his happiness and wrote, "Couldn’t be happier with tonight’s award! As I’m about to celebrate my 20th year as a professional footballer, Globe Soccer Player Of The Century is a recognition that I receive with so much joy and pride!"

The 34-years-old striker has been in great form again this season scoring a total of 44 goals for club and country in 2020.