UAE Pro League gala night celebrates top achievers
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The UAE Pro League celebrated the stars of the 2024–2025 season in a dazzling evening at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi over the weekend.The event was attended by Abdulla Al Jneibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League, members of the Board of Directors, representatives of sponsor institutions, clubs, and a select group of sports and media figures."We move forward with one goal," said Al Jneibi, "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."The winners of the 2024–2025 season awards were announced, covering three categories: statistics-based awards, fan-voted awards, and criteria-based awards.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 Olăroiu 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.With another busy year gone by, the market value of UAE Pro League competitions together stands at an estimated Dh2.6 billion, with a total of 44 million hits in television views and 730 million views on the league's social media platforms collectively, revealed Al Jneibi while reflecting on the efforts made by the 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.Joining Al Jneibi in the awards presentations were board members Hassan Al Marri, Tariq Al Shabibi, Saeed Al Kaabi, and Mohamed Abu Zinjal Al Ali.The League honoured its partners for their active role in supporting Emirati football. 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.There were fun activities around the awards, such as an interactive "Seen Jeem" sports trivia station, a modern photo booth for club and team landmarks, a souvenir coin engraving corner, and a virtual reality zone offering exclusive match footage from multiple angles.The UAE Pro League Café hosted attendees, while a live English-language podcast was streamed via YouTube and TikTok, hosted by Omar Al Duri and Eisa Santo, featuring a number of football stars.
TEAM OF THE YEAR:
· Hamad Almeqbaali (Shabab Al Ahli, goalkeeper)
· Marcos Meloni (Sharjah)
· Mohamed Elneny (Al Jazira)
· Lucas Pimenta (Al Wahda)
· Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
· Mehdi Ghayedi (Kalba)
· Caio Lucas (Sharjah)
· Fabio Lima (Al Wasl)
· Sardar Azmoum (Shabab Al Ahli)
· Laba Kodjo (Al Ain)
· Guilherme Da Silva (Shabab Al Ahli)
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