The Juventus forward, 35, became the first man to receive the honour during the ceremony at Armani Hotel in Dubai, overcoming competition from Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Mohamed Salah.
“It’s a great achievement, I’m so proud and happy,” said a beaming Ronaldo.
“Thank you to Globe Soccer, to everyone who voted for me, my teammates, the clubs that I played for, the national team, my family, my friends, especially my children and my girlfriend – they’re always with me, they always help me to be a better player and person."
Apart from Ronaldo and a star-studded guest list that included the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique, what also stood out was the Portuguese great's accessories.
During the 2019 edition of the conference, he wore one of most expensive timepieces ever crafted by luxury watchmaker Rolex - the diamond-studded GMT-Master Ice.
That timepiece was estimated to be worth $480,000 with nearly 30 carats of diamonds.
Ronaldo paired the timepiece with a diamond band on his wedding finger, and a canary diamond ring on his middle finger. The total collection was estimated to be worth $810,000 (Dh 3 million).
Cristiano Ronaldo after being voted Player of the Century at the 2020 Dubai Globe Soccer Awards at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer
Player of the Century Cristiano Ronaldo
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, presents Robert Lewandowski with the Player of the Year award. Globe Soccer
Robert Lewandowski accepts the Player of the Year award at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer
Robert Lewandowski accepts the Player of the Year award at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer
The award winners at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas with his Player Career Award alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Globe Soccer
Robert Lewandowski accepts the Player of the Year award at Burj Khalifa. Globe Soccer
Gianni Infantino and Cristiano Ronaldo. Globe Soccer
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique with his Player Career Award alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Globe Soccer
Bayern Munich attacker Robert Lewandowski with his Player of the Year award alongside Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid and Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Globe Soccer
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. Globe Soccer
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is presented with his Player Career Award by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid. Globe Soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa. EPA
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel atBurj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National
Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the Dubai International Sports Conference and Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National
Barcelona player Gerard Pique at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Antonie Robertson / The National
Fifa president Gianni Infantino arrives at the Armani Hotel in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
Retired Egyptian footballer Mahmoud El-Khatib, President of Egypt's al-Ahly Sporting Club arrives at Dubai Globe Soccer Awards held at the Armani hotel at the Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson/The National
Fifa president Gianni Infantino arrives at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards at Burj Khalifa. Antonie Robertson / The National
Barcelona player Gerard Pique at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Antonie Robertson / The National
Barcelona player Gerard Pique at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Antonie Robertson / The National
British boxer Amir Khan. Getty
Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Getty
Cristiano Ronaldo embraces Player of the Year award winner Robert Lewandowski. Reuters
Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Reuters
Left to right: Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich, and Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo. EPA