Soufiane Rahimi earns fan acclaim but misses out on ADNOC Pro League top award

Soufiane Rahimi’s run of disappointment has continued after the Al Ain forward was beaten to the Golden Ball for the best player in the ADNOC Pro League.

Rahimi was shortlisted for the award alongside his Al Ain team-mate Matias Palacios and his former team-mate Laba Kodjo, who moved to Sharjah this summer.

The UAE Pro League website confirmed that Palacios won the Golden Ball, while Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa received the Golden Glove award for the best goalkeeper.

Rahimi did not leave the ceremony without recognition. He was chosen by supporters as the league’s best player and was also included in the Team of the Season for the 2025-26 campaign.

He was selected alongside Egypt international Ramy Rabia in the dream team, with the pair representing Al Ain.

The latest award result comes at a difficult personal time for Rahimi, who recently announced that his father was ill and asked his supporters to pray for his recovery.

Rahimi wrote: “Nothing has broken me except my father’s illness. My heart hurts when he is in pain, and that is enough suffering for me, God. I have no strength to see him in pain. Lord, you know and see how much his illness breaks me, so have mercy on his weakness and be kind to his condition. Lord, heal my father.”

The Morocco international had enjoyed a successful campaign with Al Ain, helping the club win the domestic double last season.

That achievement consisted of the ADNOC Pro League title and the President’s Cup, adding to Rahimi’s importance within an Al Ain side that also provided the league’s best goalkeeper and two members of the Team of the Season.

Despite being overlooked for the main individual award, Rahimi’s popularity was reflected in the supporters’ vote, which saw him named the league’s best player.

His inclusion in the 2025-26 dream team also ensured that he was recognised among the leading performers of the campaign, even though the Golden Ball ultimately went to Palacios.

The award was contested by three players with Al Ain connections: Rahimi and Palacios, who remain team-mates, and Laba Kodjo, who previously played alongside Rahimi before his transfer to Sharjah this summer.

For Rahimi, the personal recognition came alongside the disappointment of missing out on the league’s top prize and the concern caused by his father’s illness.