Sports crossover of the year? Tennis G.O.A.T. Novak Djokovic was honored with a major international award this weekend—and received it from none other than soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
The two legends attended the 16th edition of the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Sunday, where Djokovic was named Globe Sportsman of the Year. The honor adds to an already historic résumé for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
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Ronaldo, 40, was effusive in his praise as he presented the award, drawing parallels between their careers, longevity at the top of their sports, and shared ability to overcome adversity.
“For me, he is an example,” Ronaldo said on stage. “When you have people as an example, he speaks the words coming from himself. So for me, he is an example in longevity. We have a similar story.
“So I think he deserves this because he is a great example for this generation, all generations, the generation that’s going to come.”
