The recent award ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi saw Al Wasl’s Ali Saleh crowned as the Best Emirati Player in the 2023-2024 UAE Pro League season. The 22-year-old was a pivotal player in Al Wasl’s successful campaign last season, where they clinched both the UAE Pro League and President’s Cup titles after a 17-year wait. Saleh, who dreams of playing in the English Premier League, scored seven goals and made four assists, showcasing his talent on the field.
The awards ceremony also saw Al Wasl coach Milos Milojevic being honored with the Coach of the Year award for his exceptional leadership that led the team to a historic double win. Milojevic, who joined Al Wasl from Red Star Belgrade, made an immediate impact and guided the club to success in his first season. Additionally, Al Wasl’s Argentine winger Nicolas Gimenez was named the best foreign player of the year, highlighting the team’s diverse talent pool.
Meanwhile, Al Ain striker Soufian Rahimi, who played a crucial role in his team’s Asian Champions League triumph, secured the Fans’ Player of the Year accolade. Other notable awards presented at the ceremony included Khaled Al Senaani of Al Wasl winning the best goalkeeper award and Al Wahda’s Ismaeil Matar receiving a special award for the fans’ goal of the year. The event was attended by prominent figures from the UAE Pro League, sponsors, clubs, as well as sports and media personalities, making it a grand affair.
The Chairman of the UAE Pro League, Abdulla Naser Al Jneibi, opened the ceremony with a welcoming speech, thanking all attendees for their support and emphasizing the significance of the event in celebrating the achievements of the 2023-2024 season. Al Jneibi highlighted the role of wise leadership in enabling the success and progress of UAE football, acknowledging the contributions made by various stakeholders in realizing the strategic goals of the league. The annual awards ceremony serves as a platform to recognize the talent, dedication, and accomplishments of players and coaches in the Emirati football scene.
The event was a reflection of the remarkable achievements and moments that characterized the UAE Pro League season, showcasing the passion and commitment of players and teams in delivering exceptional performances on the field. The recognition received by individuals like Ali Saleh, Milos Milojevic, and Nicolas Gimenez underscores the talent and skill present within the league, paving the way for further success and growth in Emirati football. As the football landscape in the UAE continues to evolve, events like the awards ceremony play a crucial role in honoring excellence and inspiring the next generation of players and coaches to strive for greatness.
