SPORTY LALIGA Reveals African MVP Candidates
The LALIGA has announced the contenders for the 2025/26 SPORTY LALIGA MVP, an accolade honouring the top African player in Spain’s highest division this season.
Entering its fifth year, this award continues to honour the profound influence of African players in LALIGA EA SPORTS, highlighting the growing presence of African talent in Spanish and European football.
The recipient will join an esteemed list of past winners, such as two-time winner Iñaki Williams of Athletic Club (Ghana), Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze, and Morocco’s star goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Organised in partnership with SPORTY—one of Africa’s premier sports entertainment and technology brands—the award emphasises the shared commitment of SPORTY and LALIGA to strengthen connections between Spanish and African football, celebrating players who inspire fans across the continent weekly.
Miguel Puche, Brand Director of Sporty Group, said: “The SPORTY LALIGA MVP continues to showcase the exceptional contributions of African players to Spanish football. At SPORTY, we believe football unites fans worldwide, and this award recognises players inspiring millions of supporters across Africa every weekend. We are proud to collaborate with LALIGA to honour these stars and deepen fan engagement.”
Voting begins on March 17th and runs until May 10th, 2026. Fans can cast votes at https://miliga.laliga.com/en-ES?utm_source=sporty&utm_medium=notadeprensa&utm_campaign=202603_SPORTYLALIGAMVP_GMF_PRU&utm_content=static&utm_term=na.
The final decision combines fan votes from Sub-Saharan Africa and a panel of experts, including journalists and football stakeholders. The winner will be announced at a special event in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 23rd, concluding the LALIGA EA SPORTS season.
Tresor Penku, Managing Director of LALIGA Africa, remarked: “African football has always been central to LALIGA, with its influence growing each year. The SPORTY LALIGA MVP, now in its fifth edition, celebrates top African talent and offers fans the chance to honour players representing their nations proudly in Spain’s stadiums each week.”
This year’s nominees feature Ghana’s Iñaki Williams, aiming for his third consecutive SPORTY LALIGA MVP, as he continues to lead Athletic Club towards European qualification.
Djené Dakonam of Togo, captain of Getafe CF, remains a key contender, having played more minutes than any other African this season.
At Sevilla FC, Nigerian striker Akor Adams has enjoyed a breakthrough season, becoming the club’s leading goal scorer, including a memorable goal in a 4–1 victory over FC Barcelona.
Senegal’s AFCON champions Pape Gueye and Pathé Ciss have also impressed, helping Villarreal CF in their pursuit of the top four and contributing significantly to Rayo Vallecano’s strong campaigns in La Liga and the UEFA Conference League.
Nominees for the 2025/26 SPORTY LALIGA MVP include:
- Iñaki Williams, Athletic Club (Ghana)
- Ilaix Moriba, RC Celta (Guinea)
- Grady Diangana, Elche CF (DR Congo)
- Charles Pickel, RCD Espanyol (DR Congo)
- Djené Dakonam, Getafe CF (Togo)
- Karl Etta Eyong, Levante UD (Cameroon)
- Omar Mascarell, RCD Mallorca (Equatorial Guinea)
- Enzo Boyomo, CA Osasuna (Cameroon)
- Pathé Ciss, Rayo Vallecano (Senegal)
- Nobel Mendy, Rayo Vallecano (Senegal)
- Rahim Alhassane, Real Oviedo (Niger)
- Eric Bailly, Real Oviedo (Ivory Coast)
- David Carmo, Real Oviedo (Angola)
- Kwasi Sibo, Real Oviedo (Ghana)
- Akor Adams, Sevilla FC (Nigeria)
- Chidera Ejuke, Sevilla FC (Nigeria)
- Mouctar Diakhaby, Valencia CF (Guinea)
- Pape Gueye, Villarreal CF (Senegal)
- Thomas Partey, Villarreal CF (Ghana)
- Nicolas Pépé, Villarreal CF (Ivory Coast)
