Ramy Rabia shortlisted for UAE Pro League fans’ Player of the Year award

Ramy Rabia has been named among the three finalists for the UAE Pro League’s fans’ Player of the Year award.

The Egypt international defender will compete for the prize against his Al Ain team-mate Sofyan Rahimi and Nicolas Gimenez of Al Wasl. The winner will be announced at the UAE Pro League Awards ceremony for the 2025-26 season in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Rabia was previously included in the 10-player shortlist for the Golden Ball award, which recognises the league’s best player, but he did not make the final list for that prize.

Rahimi is among the contenders for the Golden Ball and will face competition from his Al Ain team-mates Laba Kodjo and Matias Palacios.

The recognition for Rabia follows a consistent campaign in which his performances helped Al Ain secure a domestic double. The club won both the UAE Pro League and the UAE Cup last season, with the former Al Ahly defender playing a part in that success.

Rabia, who is also a member of the Egypt national team, completed his involvement at the 2026 World Cup with his country several weeks ago. He subsequently missed the opening days of Al Ain’s pre-season preparations after being granted time to rest following his participation in the tournament.

He later rejoined the squad ahead of the new campaign.

The supporters’ award is separate from the Golden Ball, meaning Rabia remains in contention for individual recognition even though he has been eliminated from the shortlist for the league’s main best-player honour.

Rahimi’s presence in both sets of nominations highlights his importance to Al Ain during the 2025-26 season. He is competing for the fans’ award alongside Rabia and Gimenez, while his challenge for the Golden Ball will come from teammates Laba Kodjo and Palacios.

The final results will be confirmed during Monday’s ceremony in Abu Dhabi, where the UAE Pro League will present its awards for the 2025-26 season.

For Rabia, the nomination caps a period that has included domestic success with Al Ain and international duty with Egypt. His selection among the final three candidates for the fans’ award means supporters will now decide whether he, Rahimi or Gimenez receives the honour.