Omar Abdulrahman becomes first Emirati footballer to appear in Fifa video game series

The UAE's star player is now at Al Hilal in Saudi and is included in Fifa 19

DUBAI , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , APRIL 12   – 2018 :- Omar Abdulrahman ( no 10 purple ) of Al Ain in action during the President Cup quarter final football match between Al Ain vs Fujairah club held at Shabab Al Ahli Dubai football stadium in Dubai. ( Pawan Singh / The National ) For Sports. Story by John
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It's been a long wait, but finally the UAE has its first footballer in the hugely popular Fifa video game series.

And there should be little surprise as to who it is - Omar Abdulrahman.

The 26-year-old joined Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal on a free transfer from Al Ain during the summer, having led the Garden city side to both the Arabian Gulf League title and the President's Cup.

He's been the star player in UAE domestic football and the international team for a number of years and was voted Asian Player of the Year in 2016.

The inclusion of the Saudi Dawry Jameel League in Fifa 19, which is available from September 25 for certain pre-orders and September 28 on general release, means fans of the Emirati player can now guide him to glory on screen via their PlayStation, Xbox or PC.

Omar Abdulrahman is in Fifa 19. Courtesy EA Sport
Omar Abdulrahman is in Fifa 19. Courtesy EA Sport

Regular players of the Fifa Ultimate Team mode will be keen to see how EA Sports have rated his talents.

They've gone for a gold card with an overall rating of 76, which makes him the 13th-highest rated player in the Saudi league.

Emirati fans will be sure to debate his individual ability ratings, such as 69 for shooting, 78 for dribbling and 81 for passing which is an accurate representation for a player who often unlocked defences with ease during his time at Al Ain. But one thing Fifa seems to have nailed is Omar's five star dribbling ability.

The highest rated player in the Saudi league is the Brazilian Guiliano on 83, while former English Premier League striker Bafetimbi Gomis, also at Al Hilal, is rated 81.

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