The UAE national team began its campaign in the Arabian Gulf Cup with a convincing 4-0 victory over Yemen on Thursday, September 24. However, for UAE national team midfielder Nicolas Jimenez, this match held deep emotional significance beyond the sporting result.
Following the confident win at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, the athlete, who was born in Argentina and plays for Al Wasl FC, dedicated the victory to Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 76.
Jimenez stated: 'As you know, our country and we were going through difficult days after the death of our Sheikh. This is a very important moment for our country. We dedicate this victory, this happiness, to him.'
Jimenez played a key role in the opening match of Group B for the UAE national team, scoring two goals, which helped the 'Whites' start their campaign convincingly. Nader Sahal's goal in the 36th minute doubled the UAE's lead, and then Luanzinho, a midfielder from Sharjah born in Brazil, made it 3-0 in stoppage time of the first half. Jimenez sealed the score by scoring another goal in the 51st minute, securing the 4-0 victory.
The result of the game became a moment of remembrance for a man whose name has been closely linked to the sporting history of Al Wasl and Dubai for generations. Sheikh Ahmed collaborated with the Al Wasl sports club for decades, serving as its president for about 60 years. The club was founded in Zaabil in 1960 under the name 'Al Zamalek,' and Sheikh Ahmed helped form its first board of directors in 1962, remaining chairman until 1974.
His connection to the club continued for decades, during which he supported the development of sports in the UAE. Al Wasl has become one of the country's prominent sports clubs, participating in football and several other sports. For Al Wasl, his name has become an integral part of the club's history.
While the UAE begins a new Arabian Gulf Cup campaign with a 4-0 victory, for Jimenez it was a victory and a moment of joy that he wanted to dedicate to the Sheikh, who was part of his club's history for many generations.
According to the Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Ahmed passed away on the morning of September 21. Following this, Dubai announced an official 10-day mourning period, during which flags across the emirate were flown at half-mast.
Sheikh Ahmed was buried on September 22 at Umm Hurair Cemetery in Dubai after prayers at the Zaabil mosque. Senior members of the UAE leadership accompanied his body to the cemetery.
