Laba, returning from a brief injury layoff, marked his comeback with a goal that not only helped secure his team’s place in the final but also propelled him beyond Gyan’s record of 128 goals for the club.
With that strike, Laba now sits at 129 goals in all competitions, making him the all-time leading scorer for Al Ain, the reigning champions of the Asian Champions League.
Surpassing a Legend
Asamoah Gyan, who enjoyed a prolific spell at Al Ain from 2011 to 2015, set the bar high during his time at the club, amassing 128 goals and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest foreign players to grace the UAE Pro League.
Laba’s achievement is particularly impressive given the pressure of following in the footsteps of such an iconic figure.
Having joined Al Ain in 2019 from Moroccan side Renaissance Sportive de Berkane, Laba quickly established himself as a key player for the Emirati giants.
His consistency in front of goal has been a hallmark of his time at the club, and he has now firmly eclipsed Gyan’s record, adding a new chapter to his already remarkable career.
A Hero at Al Ain
Laba’s goal-scoring prowess has made him a revered figure at Al Ain. With 102 of his 129 goals coming in the Emirati championship, he is also the club’s all-time leading foreign scorer in domestic competition.
His tally continues to grow, and given his current form and fitness, Laba is poised to extend his record even further in the seasons to come.
The 32-year-old striker remains a vital asset for both Al Ain and the Togo national team, where he is the top active scorer.
His contributions at the club level have not only brought individual accolades but have also been instrumental in Al Ain’s continued success in domestic and continental competitions.
More to Come
With several seasons still likely ahead of him, Laba has ample opportunity to widen the gap between himself and those who follow.
His consistency, resilience, and knack for delivering crucial goals have solidified his place as one of the most influential players in Al Ain’s recent history.
For a player who has already achieved so much, Laba’s journey is far from over.
Fans and teammates alike will be eagerly watching as he looks to build on this record-breaking moment, continuing to push the boundaries of what can be accomplished at the highest level of football in the UAE.
