Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has been nominated for the inaugural Best Middle East Player of the Year award.
The other 11 players include Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Salem Al-Dawsari, Mourad Batna, Mohamed El Shenawy, Abderrazak Hamdallah, Odion Ighalo, Ali Mabkhout, Riyad Mahrez, Alejandro Romero and Talisca.
Olunga’s nomination comes just two days after he scored a brace as Kenya defeated Seychelles 5-0 in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Kenya had kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Gabon away.
The Globe Soccer Awards, organized by the European Association of Player’s Agents (EFAA) and presented by Globe Soccer, have been a significant event since its inception in 2009. Held annually in Dubai, the awards ceremony brings together key figures in the football world, including representatives from FIFA, UEFA, major clubs, and managers, fostering discussions on football-related matters and the transfer market.
Last season, the lanky Olunga, who also played for FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia, scored 22 goals in the Saudi Pro League and he has so far netted eight goals for Al Duhail in this campaign.