Walid Azaro has quickly made his mark as the Adnoc Pro League's top aerial scorer. With two headed goals so far, the Ajman striker sits alone at the top of the league's chart, ahead of 17 players who have each scored once with their heads.
Azaro's start is part of a bigger trend. The opening rounds have already produced 19 headed goals, pointing to a shift in how teams attack. Clubs are putting more emphasis on wide play and set pieces, looking to take advantage of gaps in aerial defense. Azaro's knack for finishing crosses and set pieces has set the standard for strikers looking to make an impact in the box.
According to the official UAE Pro League match report, Azaro scored his 10th career league goal against Kalba on September 11, 2026, with half of those coming from headers.
Behind Azaro, the competition is tight. Mohamed Ghrabneh (Al Wahda), Simon Banza and Vinicius Melo (Al Jazira), Rocky Chatchou and Youssef Niktié (Baniyas), Abdullah Toure (Al Nasr), Carlos Felipe (Kalba), Junior Flemmings (Khorfakkan), Renato Junior (Al Wasl), and Valentin Lazaro (Al Ain) have each scored once with a header. The range of clubs on this list shows how common the aerial threat has become, with most teams now relying on at least one strong target man or set-piece option.
Further down, players like Bruno Leonardo (Hatta), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Saad Al Hedani (Ajman), and Mohannad Tarem (Al Wasl) have also added to the total. Headed goals are no longer a rare tactic-they're now a regular part of attacking play, forcing defenders and goalkeepers to adjust quickly.
For Ajman, Azaro's form is more than just a personal achievement. His ability to finish in the air gives the team a reliable way to score, especially in close matches where chances from open play are limited. This fits with what's happening across the league, where set pieces and crosses are shaping results. As reported earlier, teams are looking for any edge, and the aerial game is proving decisive.
In the 5th round match against Kalba on September 11, 2026, Azaro scored for Ajman in first-half stoppage time, but the team ultimately lost 2-3. Official league data also shows that by this point, Azaro had already netted three goals in the season, demonstrating his scoring versatility beyond just headers.
With 19 headed goals already and the season still young, the contest for dominance in the air is wide open. Azaro's lead is built on sharp movement, timing, and a team set up to deliver quality service. Unless other clubs tighten up their defense, the battle for headed goals will remain a key storyline in the coming weeks.
