The stage is set, the anticipation is mounting, and history is just around the corner.
As the 2025-26 ADNOC Pro League kicks off this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, August 16th and 17th, the league stands just seven goals away from reaching one of its most iconic milestones — the 9,000th goal in the professional era.
Since the dawn of professionalism in the 2008-09 season, the league has witnessed a parade of unforgettable strikes, each etched into the rich tapestry of UAE football.
It all began on September 19th, 2008, when Brazilian marksman André Dias of Al Ain wrote the opening chapter by netting the very first goal of the new era.
Two years later, on September 26th, 2010, Guinean forward Ismaël Bangoura of Al Nasr struck the century mark with the 1000th goal.
The 2000th arrived courtesy of Frenchman Michel Laurent Ndri of Al Shaab on November 19th, 2012, before Brazilian powerhouse Grafite of Shabab Al Ahli brought up the 3000th on May 2nd, 2014.
The milestones kept coming. Dawood Ali of Al Shaab fired in the 400th on February 18th, 2016, while Egyptian star Hussein El Shahat of Al Ain celebrated the 5000th on February 3rd, 2018.
The 6000th was struck by Brazilian Dudu of Khorfakkan on New Year’s Day 2020, followed by legend Ali Mabkhout, who netted the 7000th on February 15th, 2022. Most recently, on December 2nd, 2023, Kabasele claimed the 8000th in style.
Now, as the new season kicks off, the spotlight turns to one burning question: Which player will seize the moment, etch their name into the record books, and deliver goal number 9,000?
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