Ghana’s Iñaki Williams retains the SPORTY LALIGA MVP award for the second consecutive season, edging out Nigeria’s Super Eagles trio ahead of the Unity Cup clash in London.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Nigeria vs Ghana clash at the Unity Cup in London, Ghanaian international Iñaki Williams has retained the prestigious SPORTY LALIGA MVP award.

Williams has been crowned the best African player in LaLiga EA SPORTS for the second consecutive season, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first back-to-back winner in the award’s history.

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The Bilbao-born forward enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign, playing a decisive role in Athletic Club’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League, their first in a decade.

Williams, who contributed 14 goals in 29 starts, led with 32% of the vote, which was conducted among expert journalists and fans across Africa, edging out other top contenders.

Ghana’s Inaki Williams with the LALIGA EA SPORTS African MVP Award last season.

Williams was among the nominees alongside Nigeria’s Super Eagles trio: Chrisantus Uche, who made his LALIGA debut this season and finished with 10 goals and assiss, Umar Sadiq, and Chidera Ejuke.

Despite their impressive performances, none could replicate the feat of former Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze, who won the award in 2023.

Chrisantus Uche scored 4 goals and provided 6 assists on his LALIGA debut. | Imago

The announcement was made on Africa Day during a media event in Johannesburg, South Africa, featuring football legends like former Cameroon international and FC Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, and Soccer Africa presenter Thomas Mlambo.

This event marked the first time the SPORTY LALIGA MVP award ceremony was held on African soil.

Inaki Williams with his latest LALIGA MVP award.

Following the combined votes of 25 African football journalists and thousands of fans via the online MILIGA Fan Zone, Williams emerged victorious.

He was closely followed by Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye of Villarreal CF with 12%, and Cameroon defender Flavien Enzo Boyomo of CA Osasuna with 10%.

Senegal’s Pape Gueye during an interview with Pulse Sports Nigeria.

Williams expressed his pride in representing African talent on such a prestigious platform:

“LaLiga has always had African players or players with African heritage, and it’s a real honour to represent our roots in this way.

It’s a beautiful thing for young people across Africa to see their role models succeed.”

Umar Sadiq celebrates with the Valencia fans.

He added:

“An award like this means you’re doing things right.

I’m so happy and proud to have won it two years in a row… hopefully, I can make it three!”

Inaki Williams with the MVP award.

Williams’ standout season included 14 combined goals and assists, and he logged more minutes than any other Athletic Club player, showing his importance to the team’s success.

Miguel Puche, Brand Director of Sporty Group, praised the growing influence of African football:

Chidera Ejuke in full flight for Sevilla || Imago

“From established stars like Iñaki to rising talents such as Yan Diomandé, African football’s impact is stronger each season.

We are committed to celebrating this journey and bringing LaLiga closer to fans across the continent.”

LALIGA Africa Managing Director Tresor Penku also congratulated Williams and acknowledged the enthusiastic support from African fans and journalists.

Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze won the award in 2023.

Williams follows in the footsteps of Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze (2023) and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou (2022), continuing the legacy of African excellence in LaLiga’s MVP award.

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Ghana’s Black Stars, Williams’ win gives Ghana an early psychological edge in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Unity Cup.