Kodjo Laba: Togo striker joins Sharjah FC on free transfer from Al-Ain

Togo striker Kodjo Laba has joined Sharjah FC on a free transfer from UAE Pro League rivals Al-Ain.

The 34-year-old centre-forward has signed a contract with Sharjah running until 30 June 2028 after ending a highly successful seven-year spell with Al-Ain. The move keeps one of the league’s most prolific goalscorers in Emirati football while strengthening a direct competitor in the domestic title race.

Laba, who was born in Lome and stands at 1.80m, arrives with a formidable scoring record in the UAE. He has hit 141 goals and provided 27 assists in 155 league appearances, averaging a goal roughly every 93 minutes. His new club are acquiring a right-footed striker with extensive experience across league, cup and continental competitions.

During his time at Al-Ain, Laba won two UAE league titles, the UAE President’s Cup and the UAE League Cup, and was part of the side that lifted the AFC Champions League in 2023-24. He also finished as top scorer in the UAE Pro League in three seasons, underlining his status as one of the division’s dominant attacking figures.

Before moving to the Emirates in 2019, Laba made his name with Renaissance de Berkane in Morocco, where he won the Moroccan Cup and topped the scoring charts in the Botola Pro in 2018-19.

Laba’s switch to Sharjah FC, confirmed on 13 July 2026, sees the forward begin a new chapter in the UAE Pro League on a free transfer from Al-Ain.