Tribune News Network
Costa Smeralda (Sardinia)
Nasser Al Khelaifi, Chairman of the European Clubs Association and President of PSG, won the Football Leadership Award at the inaugural KAFD Globe Soccer Awards Europe in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, on Tuesday evening.
This came during a glittering ceremony that saw some of European football’s brightest stars, including PSG striker Kylian Mbappe, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, and FC Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal, emerging as winners.
Al Khelaifi received the award for leading PSG to achieve the domestic double, winning both the French league and the French Cup. Under his leadership, the club has won 10 French League titles, 7 French Cup titles, and 6 French League Cup titles.
“Thank you very much to Globe Soccer for inviting us here. And thank you to the legend of football; it’s an honour to receive this award from him,” said Al Khelaifi after receiving the award from Fabio Capello, the former manager of England, Madrid, and Milan. “It means a lot. Football is not an individual sport; it’s collective. So, this award goes to the team, management, staff, coach, and players. One of them is still here, the best player in the world.” “You know what we’ve been doing for the last 13 years with Paris Saint-Germain—it’s become one of the biggest. I’m proud to be here. There’s a lot still to be done, it’s great because we love football and are passionate about it. Football and sport are in our blood. So, we’re going to continue working hard every year, and we are excited about the next season.” Alongside Mbappe and Alonso, a full catalogue of football industry figures from past and present were in attendance at the event, including FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, three-time Champions League winner Fernando Morientes, current Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta and presidents, chairmen, and CEOs of some of the continent’s most prominent clubs and organisations.
With shortlists for five of the 10-plus awards decided by a fan vote earlier this month, a star-studded jury of football industry luminaries selected the final winners.
Mbappe, the French striker whose contract with his Parisian club expires at the end of June, took to the stage amid applause from his peers to collect the KAFD Best Player award.
Mbappe said: “It’s an honour to be here – I see some great players, managers, legends. It’s always great to see everybody recognise your game. I want to thank my club; I know my president is here. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of this event. It is part of my journey. I want to work hard to keep my name in the history of football. There is a lot still to do and I am far away from what I want to achieve, but I will start this summer with the Euro and then the next step of my life. I can’t wait.”
The superstar’s moment came minutes after Alonso, who led his Leverkusen side to an undefeated domestic double and the final of the Europa League, received Best Coach from Pedro Proença, President of Liga Portugal.
Addressing an audience of more than 400 guests, Alonso said: “It has been a real pleasure to see old colleagues and friends here tonight in this beautiful setting. I’m proud to receive this award, not just for myself but for all Bayer Leverkusen. What we have lived this year has been phenomenal, a fantastic journey. It felt special since the beginning, all the connections we created with the fans, the players, the staff. We’ve been able to have a dream season.”
