A busy August has set the stage for what could become one of the most competitive seasons in ADNOC Pro League history, with Al-Jazira making a strong statement in the transfer market, Andrea Pirlo guiding United FC through an encouraging start and the UAE national team facing a shortage of local goalscorers.
Al-Jazira entered the new campaign with renewed ambition after appointing Cosmin Olaroiu as head coach. The Abu Dhabi club attracted major attention by signing former Barcelona winger Malcom from Al-Hilal and bringing in Kristjan Asllani on loan from Inter Milan.
The additions have helped Al-Jazira make a perfect start, with three victories from three matches. The club has been joined at the top by defending champions Al-Ain and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club, who have also collected maximum points.
Al-Jazira’s transformation was particularly notable after its 2-0 victory over Sharjah in the second matchweek. Malcom quickly became an influential figure, helping create the third goal in the club’s 3-0 win over Ajman.
Olaroiu brings considerable experience to the project, having collected 20 major honors during 19 years of coaching in Asian football. The club also possesses several promising young players, including midfielder Mamadou Coulibaly.
Al-Ain and Shabab Al-Ahli remain serious contenders. Al-Ain recovered from a difficult match against Al-Nasr, with Greece striker Giorgos Giakoumakis scoring the winning goal. Shabab Al-Ahli also showed their strength by defeating Al-Wasl 1-0 through a low strike from UAE forward Guilherme.
With the transfer window still open until September 28, more changes could follow. Al-Ain are seeking to become the first club since their own 2011-13 run to win the professional-era league title in consecutive seasons.
Pirlo gives United FC belief
Andrea Pirlo’s decision to remain with United FC has become one of the early stories of the season. The former Italy midfielder stayed with the club despite interest from the Italian national team setup.
United FC endured a difficult top-flight debut, losing 5-1 to Al-Wasl. The response was immediate, however, as Cape Verde international Willy Semedo scored twice in a 3-2 victory at Baniyas.
United then defeated Kalba 4-1, with Gabon forward Shavy Babicka scoring twice. Emirati goalkeeper Salam Khairi, fullback Hamid Yahya and Senegal midfielder Moustapha Name have also made positive impressions.
Seven of the 10 teams promoted to the top flight since 2021-22 have suffered immediate relegation. United’s early performances suggest the privately owned club could have ambitions beyond simply surviving.
Dalic faces UAE scoring challenge
New UAE coach Zlatko Dalic has been watching league matches closely ahead of the Arabian Gulf Cup, which begins on September 24 against Yemen.
The Croatian coach previously enjoyed success with Al-Ain and now faces the challenge of rebuilding a national team that lacks the attacking depth once provided by players such as Ali Mabkhout, Omar Abdulrahman and Ahmed Khalil.
Only nine of the ADNOC Pro League’s 72 goals in August were scored by fully UAE-qualified players, accounting for 12.5 percent of the total.
Dalic will need to find new sources of goals as the UAE prepares not only for the Gulf Cup but also the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.
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