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Al-Ain forward Soufiane Rahimi has been nominated for four major individual accolades in 2024, following a series of standout performances for his UAE Pro League side and remarkable achievements on the international stage.
The Moroccan international played a pivotal role in Al-Ain’s triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite title and emerged as the top scorer in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games football tournament, netting an impressive eight goals.
His efforts have earned him a place on the shortlist for multiple prestigious honors.
A Place Among FIFA’s Elite
Rahimi has been named among 77 players shortlisted for FIFA’s “The Best” Team of the Year.
The provisional list includes 11 goalkeepers, 22 defenders, 22 midfielders, and 22 forwards.
As one of the standout forwards, Rahimi’s inclusion highlights his growing stature in the global footballing landscape.
Competing with Football’s Finest
In addition to being a candidate for the Team of the Year, Rahimi is also among the finalists for the 2024 FIFA World Player of the Year award.
The former Raja Casablanca striker finds himself in elite company, competing alongside global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, and Mohamed Salah.
Rahimi’s remarkable tally of 36 goals in 2024 has cemented his status as the highest-scoring Arab player of the calendar year, ahead of Salah.
His contribution to Al-Ain’s success extends beyond scoring, with the forward directly involved in 42 goals throughout the year.
Recognition in the Middle East
Rahimi’s performances have also earned him a nomination for the Middle East Player of the Year award at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards.
He faces stiff competition from the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Salem Al-Dawsari, and Sergej Milinković-Savić.
Additionally, Rahimi was named the Asian Champions League’s best player, further solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest talents in the region.
A Year to Remember
For Soufiane Rahimi, 2024 has been a year of personal and professional milestones.
With his name in contention for four prestigious awards, the Moroccan forward has firmly established himself as one of the top players in both regional and global football.
Fans and pundits alike eagerly await the outcomes, as Rahimi’s remarkable season continues to garner well-deserved recognition.
