Barça clean up at Globe Soccer Gala as LaLiga flexes in Dubai
Barcelona dominate LaLiga's inaugural Globe Soccer awards with Flick, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal all honoured, while Atlético's Oblak picks up best save accolade.
LaLiga made its debut at Dubai’s prestigious Globe Soccer Gala, handing out five awards with Barcelona absolutely cleaning up on the night.
Barça’s trophy haul
Joan Laporta was kept busy on stage, collecting three gongs for the Catalan club:
- Best LaLiga team for the 2024/25 season
- Best striker award for Raphinha
- Best coach award for Hansi Flick
Laporta was full of praise for his manager, describing Flick as “a passionate man with special sensitivity towards players, applying discipline with respect.” The Barça president highlighted their attacking prowess that produced 102 league goals last season, noting how they overcame a difficult November patch.
Raphinha couldn’t attend in person but sent a video message thanking LaLiga for his award. Laporta praised the Brazilian’s leadership qualities, saying his absence is always felt as “he pushes others to give their best.”
Lamine’s special moment
The wonderkid Lamine Yamal collected the best young player award from none other than Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta – a proper Adam and Eve moment for the youngster.
“I’m happy to receive this from a legend like Andrés, who I watched so much on TV when I was little,” said the Barça star, who described himself as “a cheerful and calm person, and that’s enough for me.”
Oblak’s heroics recognised
Atlético Madrid’s Jan Oblak didn’t leave empty-handed, collecting the award for best save of the season. The Slovenian goalkeeper was honoured for his remarkable double save against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in matchday 9.
In the 12th minute, Oblak launched himself backwards to tip away Zubimendi’s looping header that was heading for the top corner, before somehow recovering to deny Aguerd’s point-blank follow-up shot just two seconds later.
Interestingly, some reckon his save from Witsel on the final day against Girona was even better – perhaps setting him up to defend this title next year.
The awards ceremony represents a strategic alliance to expand LaLiga’s brand presence in the Middle East, with Barcelona dominating proceedings after their impressive domestic campaign.