Al Ain, Al Jazira’s records under threat as stage set for new Pro League season

For over a decade, Al Ain and Al Jazira have stood as pillars of dominance in the ADNOC Pro League, setting benchmarks that no team has yet managed to eclipse.

As the 2025-26 campaign gets underway, the stage is set for a season brimming with ambition, as several contenders eye the chance to etch their names into history by toppling these enduring milestones.

Al Ain boast two of the league’s most iconic achievements: the longest winning streak in the ADNOC Pro League history, with 10 consecutive victories, and the highest points tally in a single season — an imposing 74 points during their triumphant 2012-13 campaign.

Not to be outdone, Al Jazira’s legacy is equally formidable.

The Pride of Abu Dhabi hold the record for the most wins in a single season — 22 triumphs in 2016-17 — along with the highest points total for a title-winning side, amassing 68 points in that same memorable year.

This season, the challenge to Al Ain’s unmatched winning run is as fierce as ever.

Four sides — Shabab Al Ahli, Al Wahda, Al Wasl, and Al Jazira — are already tied on nine straight victories in past campaigns, just one short of equaling the mark.

Any of them, including Al Ain themselves, could push the bar even higher in the coming months.

Countdown to the 9,000th Goal: The stage is set, the anticipation is mounting, and history is just around the corner.

As the 2025-26 ADNOC Pro League kicks off this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, the league stands just seven goals away from reaching one of its most iconic milestones — the 9,000th goal in the professional era.

Since the dawn of professionalism in the 2008-09 season, the league has witnessed a parade of unforgettable strikes, each etched into the rich tapestry of UAE football.

It all began on Sept. 19, 2008, when Brazilian marksman Andre Dias of Al Ain wrote the opening chapter by netting the very first goal of the new era.

Two years later, on Sept. 26, 2010, Guinean forward Ismael Bangoura of Al Nasr struck the century mark with the 100th goal.

The 200th arrived courtesy of Frenchman Michel Laurent Ndri of Al Shaab on Nov. 19, 2012, before Brazilian powerhouse Grafite of Shabab Al Ahli brought up the 300th on May 2, 2014.

The milestones kept coming. Dawood Ali of Al Shaab fired in the 400th on Feb. 18, 2016, while Egyptian star Hussein El Shahat of Al Ain celebrated the 500th on Feb. 3, 2018.

The 600th was struck by Brazilian Dudu of Khorfakkan on New Year’s Day 2020, followed by legend Ali Mabkhout, who netted the 700th on Feb. 15, 2022. Most recently, on Dec. 2, 2023, Kabasele claimed the 800th in style.

Now, as the new season kicks off, the spotlight turns to one burning question: Which player will seize the moment, etch their name into the record books, and deliver goal number 9,000?

Anticipation is high for a season packed with excitement, intensity, and fierce competition in pursuit of the coveted title. Over the years, numerous stars have etched their names in golden letters in the league’s history since the professional era began. Others are now looking to secure their place in the record books with standout numbers.

Kodjo Laba is just eight goal contributions away from reaching 150 in the league (118 goals, 24 assists).

Caio Lucas needs 18 more goal contributions to hit the same 150-mark milestone (78 goals, 54 assists).

Omar Khribin needs 19 goals to reach 100 goals in the league.

Fabio Lima has already tallied an impressive 239 goal contributions in 243 matches (176 goals, 63 assists), and with his consistent form, that number is poised to grow this season.

Ali Khaseif, Al Jazira’s veteran goalkeeper and the league’s all-time appearance leader with 356 matches, also holds the record for the most clean sheets (101).

The UAE Pro League has officially released tickets for the opening matchweek of the 2025–2026 season.