Former Flamengo striker named player of the season in the UAE | OneFootball

Guilherme Bala was elected the best under-23 player of the last season in the United Arab Emirates

Part of the victorious campaign of Flamengo in the Brasileirão 2020, Guilherme Bala is experiencing a special moment in his professional career. Currently defending Shabab Al-Ahli, from the United Arab Emirates, the young forward shone in the 2024/2025 season, accumulating four victories and playing a decisive role in the team's success.

As recognition for his performance, the athlete revealed at Ninho do Urubu received the award for best under-23 player, granted by the local federation. The former Flamengo player celebrated the honor, highlighting the collective effort and valuing the dedication that led him to the award.

— Very happy with the achievement of this award. It really was a very special season, things happened in the best way and, for sure, it was my best season in my career. This is the crowning of a lot of work, commitment, and dedication. I want to dedicate this award also to my teammates, technical staff, and all the club staff. If I managed to win, there is a lot from everyone in this too -, said Guilherme Bala.

WHAT ARE GUILHERME BALA'S NUMBERS FOR THE SEASON?

Under the command of coach Paulo Sousa, former-Flamengo, Guilherme Bala broke personal records: he played 35 games, scored eight goals and gave 12 assists, totaling 20 direct participations in goals. In addition to the impressive numbers, he helped Shabab to win the UAE Pro League, the UAE Super Cup, the Challenge Shield, and the UAE President Cup. Looking to the future, the forward also projected expectations for 2025/2026.

— After a season with so many titles, it is always complicated to maintain the level of achievements. We know that all opponents will come even more motivated to play against us. But our team is very strong and we have important trophies to defend, in addition to the dispute of the Asia Champions. We will work hard and maintain focus so that we can have another great season, full of titles -, added Guilherme Bala.

Since he arrived at Shabab, in the 2021/2022 season, Bala has 95 games, with 18 goals and 26 assists. In addition to the Golden Boy award, the player also made it to the ideal team of the season. Therefore, the Ninho's creation aims for even greater achievements in the next competitions.

HOW DID GUILHERME BALA DO AT FLAMENGO?

Guilherme Bala spent two years at Flamengo, between 2019 and 2020. In the latter, he had opportunities in the professional team, when he played three times. Two of these matches were memorable for the boy: when he participated in 19 minutes of the 4-0 thrashing over Del Valle (EQU), in the Libertadores, at Maracanã; and 71’ against Palmeiras, in the 1-1 draw at Allianz Parque.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.