Shabab Al Ahli dominate UAE Pro League 2024-25 season awards

The UAE Pro League celebrated the stars of the 2024-2025 season in a dazzling evening at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The event was attended by Abdulla Naser Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League, members of the Board of Directors, representatives of sponsor institutions, clubs, and a distinguished group of sports and media figures.

The ceremony began with a speech by Al Jneibi, who welcomed the distinguished guests to a night that has become a highly anticipated annual tradition and a driving force for creativity in Emirati football, supported by the country’s leadership.

The UAE Pro League Chairman stated, “I welcome you today to the annual awards ceremony. We move forward with one goal, working together in the service and elevation of our nation, with our motto being continuous progress, always supported by the wise leadership that has made the sons of this nation a priority in its national strategy.”

Al Jneibi revealed during the ceremony that the market value of UAE Pro League competitions is estimated at 2.6 billion dirhams, with a total of 44 million television views and 730 million views on the league’s social media platforms, reflecting the great efforts made by the UAE Pro League.

He also praised the support of the Pro League’s strategic partners, the broadcast right holders, various media outlets, and the dedication of professional clubs and their loyal fans throughout the season. The ceremony, presented by media personalities Mohamed Al Houti and Nada Al Shaibani, featured captivating stage performances that dazzled the attendees with their artistry, as well as a musical segment celebrating the cultural diversity and spirit of coexistence in the UAE.

A special tribute was paid to veteran media figure Mohamed Najeeb in recognition of his long-standing service to the nation and Emirati sports journalism.

The League also honored its partners for their active role in supporting Emirati football.

The honored partners included Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Emaar Properties, MUBADARAT, The President Initiatives, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Airline, MBME Group, Etihad Rail, Salem Al Shueibi Jewellery, Rasasi Perfumes, McDonald’s UAE, TikTok, Volkswagen Al Nabooda Automobiles, AvaTrade, Rixos Hotels, Nike, Abu Dhabi Sports Channels, Dubai Sports, and Sharjah Sports.

The winners of the 2024-2025 season awards were announced, covering three categories: statistics-based awards, fan-voted awards, and criteria-based awards.

Joining Al Jneibi in the awards presentations were board members Hassan Taleb Al Marri, Tariq Ali Al Shabibi, Saeed Obaid Al Kaabi, and Mohamed Said Abu Zinjal Al Ali.

Sardar Azmoum of Shabab Al Ahli won the Golden Ball award for Best Player, beating Mehdi Ghayedi of Kalba and Caio Lucas of Sharjah.

Hamad Almeqbaali of Shabab Al Ahli claimed the Golden Glove award for Best Goalkeeper ahead of Ali Khaseif of Al Jazira and Adel Alhosani of Sharjah.

Paulo Sousa of Shabab Al Ahli received the Leader award for Best Coach, surpassing Milos Milojevic of Al Wasl and Cosmin Olaroiu of Sharjah. Guilherme Da Silva of Shabab Al Ahli won the Golden Boy award for Best Player U23, ahead of Siaka Sidibe of Al Wasl and Brahima Diarra of Al Wahda.

Nabil Fekir of Al Jazira secured the Best Goal award, beating Soufian Rahimi of Al Ain and Omar Khribin of Al Wahda. Mohamed Elneny of Al Jazira won the Fans’ Player of the Year award ahead of Lucas Pimenta of Al Wahda and Fabio De Lima of Al Wasl.

In the statistics-based awards, Laba Kodjo of Al Ain received the Golden Shoe as top scorer of the ADNOC Pro League with 20 goals. Ramon Mierez of Al Jazira won the Golden Shoe for top scorer of the ADIB Cup with 5 goals, while Mansoor Saeed Al Menhali of Al Wahda took the Silver Shoe as top scorer of the Pro League U23.

Al Ain won the Fans League award, surpassing Al Jazira and Al Wasl, while Al Jazira claimed the Professional Excellence in Club Licensing award ahead of Al Ain and Al Wahda. Omar Al Obeidi won the Fantasy Manager of the Season award.