Argentine Nicolás Giménez has been named the best foreign player in the Emirati league for the 2023/24 season following an outstanding campaign with goals, assists, and being one of the key figures in leading Al-Wasl to the local league title after 18 years.
The 28-year-old midfielder, born in Buenos Aires and former player of Nueva Chicago, Talleres, and Arsenal, arrived in Emirati football in the 2020/21 season to play for Baniyas of Abu Dhabi. After a few seasons wearing the number 10 shirt for the capital team, he eventually joined the Dubai-based team Al-Wasl, where he showcased his full potential under Serbian coach Miloš Milojević, alongside fellow Argentine Gerónimo Poblete, formerly of San Lorenzo and Colón de Santa Fe and other latino player like brazilians Fabio Lima, Caio Canedo, Luizao, Rodrigo and colombian Alexis Perez.
For Giménez, the first award as the league’s best player also comes with his two first professional titles. With a season featuring 8 goals and 19 assists across all competitions (Pro League, League Cup, and President’s Cup), the team once managed by Diego Armando Maradona secured the league championship after almost 20 years, with their last league title dating back to the 2006/07 season, along with the President’s Cup 23/24.
Adding to the good news, Nico Giménez has already been granted Emirati citizenship by the government and could soon (players with naturalized status must spend some time in local football before being eligible to play for the national team) be selected to represent the United Arab Emirates national team.
