Manny Pacquiao honored with Global Sporting Career Award

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipino boxing living legend Manny Pacquiao received another prestigious distinction during the World Sports Summit last Dec. 29, 2025, in Dubai.

After coming out of retirement last July 2025 and nearly stealing the win from Mario Barrios during their WBC welterweight championship bout, the sport’s only eight-division world champion was given the Global Outstanding Sporting Career Award, together with some of the most famous athletes in their respective sports.

“This award is not just for me; it is for every dreamer who was told their goals were too big,” said Pacquiao.

“In boxing, we fight with our fists, but in life, we must fight with our hearts to unite people. I am honored to stand here in Dubai.”

The 47-year-old boxing icon received the milestone recognition alongside French basketball ambassador Tony Parker, former UFC undisputed champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and football greats Ronaldo Nazario, Roberto Baggio, Andres Iniesta, and Paolo Maldini.

Meanwhile, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was feted with the Global Lifetime Achievement Award, while Pakistani Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem bagged the Exceptional Sports Achievement Award.

Present during the festive sporting event were His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

“Honoring stars like Manny Pacquiao is a testament to how one individual’s discipline and heart can inspire an entire generation across borders,” said Hamdan bin Mohammed.

Rounding out the list of awardees were Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, who won the Global Sports Leadership Award; Danish Olympic badminton champion Viktor Axelsen, who clinched the Global Athlete Award; and American Olympic champion Ibtihaj Muhammad, who received the Global Inspirational Athlete Award.