Al Ain and Al Jazira stars look ahead to President’s Cup final showdown

Not since 2016 have Al Ain FC and Al Jazira Club stood on opposite sides of a President’s Cup Final. Ten years on, with scores to settle and silverware to claim, players from both clubs have spoken ahead of an occasion that promises to be the defining night of the UAE football season.

The 2025/26 President’s Cup Final brings together two of UAE football’s most storied clubs on the country’s biggest domestic stage. Al Ain return to the final for a record-extending 16th time, while Al Jazira - playing on home soil at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium - are bidding to end a ten-year wait for the title.

For Soufiane Rahimi, one of the most decorated attackers in UAE football, the President’s Cup is the one piece of silverware that has eluded him since joining Al Ain in 2021.

In that time, the Moroccan forward has won the UAE Pro League twice - including this season’s title - the UAE League Cup and the AFC Champions League Elite. Yet the President’s Cup remains.

“It’s a dream of mine, and I truly hope we are crowned champions,” said Rahimi.

“It’s the only trophy I haven’t won yet with Al Ain, so lifting it is definitely one of the biggest goals I’m striving to achieve.”

Standing between Rahimi and that ambition is a club fuelled by a decade of their own waiting and the memory of the last time these two clubs met in this fixture. In 2016, Al Jazira defeated Al Ain on penalties to lift the President’s Cup.

Ten years on, they return to the final with unfinished business of their own.

“It’s been 10 years since the club won this cup, so it’s very important for us,” said forward Simon Banza. “And we play in our stadium, so it’s amazing.”

Few in the Al Jazira squad understand the weight of the occasion better than Mohamed Elneny. The Egyptian midfielder arrived in the UAE having won the FA Cup with Arsenal and four Swiss Super League titles with FC Basel, before adding the UAE Pro League Player of the Season award in a remarkable debut campaign, alongside the UAE League Cup with Al Jazira.

The President’s Cup is the next item on a trophy list that already spans continents.

“It would mean a lot for me and for the club and the fans, and we will fight to lift the trophy,” said Elneny. “It’s a dream to win this trophy this year.”

In a gesture that highlights just how much this final means to both clubs, Al Ain FC and Al Jazira Club have each purchased their full ticket allocation to give to their supporters free of charge - a thank you to the fans who have backed them throughout the season.

It is a gesture that Ali Khaseif knows better than most will resonate deeply.

The Al Jazira goalkeeper and club captain has spent 21 years at the club, and his call to supporters carries the full weight of that devotion.

“Al Jazira fans, and the Emirati public in general, don’t really need an invitation.

“Our fans have always been our number one supporters, and we are counting on their presence to back us in the final. I encourage everyone to attend, as we want to show the world that the UAE continues to prosper and stand strong under the guidance of its wise leadership.”

From the Al Ain dressing room, Ramy Rabia delivered his own rallying cry.

“As we say in Egypt, ‘we are just one step away from the prize.’ We need you with us every single moment.”

Al Jazira coach Marino Pusic expressed confidence in the club’s ability to deliver their best performance in the anticipated match.

“First, I would like to congratulate the UAE, its leadership and people, on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. I wish this wonderful nation many more celebrations, security, and prosperity,” said Pusic during a media brief ahead of Saturday’s match.

“I also extend my congratulations to Al Jazira fans, who have always been unwavering in their support at every stadium, both inside and outside Abu Dhabi.

“I hope that this Eid we can give them an extra reason to celebrate by winning the final of the President’s Cup”.

“We are preparing for an important match, We are fully aware of the challenge that awaits us. At Al Jazira, we fear no opponent. We respect everyone and always strive to give our best.”