LALIGA has announced the nominees for the 2025/26 SPORTY LALIGA MVP, an annual award that recognises the most outstanding Sub-Saharan African footballer in Spain’s top division. Introduced in 2021, this initiative is now in its fifth edition and continues to highlight the growing presence and influence of African players within LALIGA EA SPORTS.

The award, created in partnership with SPORTY—a leading African sports entertainment and technology company—aims to strengthen ties between Spanish and African football communities. It also reflects LALIGA’s broader commitment to promoting diversity and recognising excellence among players from across the continent.

Previous winners include Ghana’s Iñaki Williams of Athletic Club (a two-time recipient), Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze, and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, all of whom have made significant contributions to their clubs and to African representation in European football.

Voting for the 2025/26 edition opens on 20 March and will close on 10 May 2026. The winner will be determined through a combination of fan votes from across Sub-Saharan Africa and input from a panel of journalists and football experts. The announcement will take place during a ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, on 23 May, coinciding with the final weekend of the LALIGA EA SPORTS season.

Among this season’s nominees are Ghana’s Iñaki Williams, seeking a third consecutive title following another strong campaign with Athletic Club, and Togo captain Djené Dakonam, who continues to be a defensive mainstay for Getafe CF. Other notable contenders include Nigeria’s Akor Adams of Sevilla FC, who has enjoyed a breakout season as the club’s top scorer, and Senegalese midfielders Pape Gueye and Pathé Ciss, who have impressed for Villarreal CF and Rayo Vallecano respectively.

2025/26 SPORTY LALIGA MVP Nominees

  • 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)

Full voting details are available on LALIGA’s official website.

About the SPORTY LALIGA MVP
Since its inception, the SPORTY LALIGA MVP has served as a way to celebrate the achievements of African players who have made their mark in Spanish football. The award also reflects the historical connection between African and European football, with Spain remaining one of the main destinations for African talent seeking opportunities in top-tier competition.

Get the full voting guide and instructions here : Vote