Ghanaian internationals Inaki Williams and Abdul Mumin have earned nominations for the prestigious La Liga African Player of the Year (MVP) Award for the 2024/25 season.
The La Liga African Player MVP is presented annually to the standout African performer in the Spanish top-flight, and this year’s shortlist includes 20 nominees from 13 African nations, highlighting exceptional talent from across the league.
Voting for the award will be determined by fans from Sub-Saharan Africa alongside a panel of 25 top African sports journalists. The winner will follow in the footsteps of last year’s recipient, Inaki Williams, and previous winners such as Samuel Chukwueze (2023) and Yassine Bounou (2022).
Inaki Williams’ Quest to Defend His Title
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams is aiming to defend his title after a stellar season. The Ghanaian has netted six goals and provided six assists in La Liga this campaign, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top performers. He currently ranks second in goal-scoring for Bilbao, behind only Unai Sancet’s 15 goals, and is the third-highest assist provider in the competition.
Williams’ impressive form has been pivotal to Bilbao’s Champions League aspirations, as they sit in fourth place with 64 points. With just three matches remaining, they are poised to secure a spot in Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2014/15.
In addition to his league performances, Williams’ five goals and one assist were critical in Bilbao’s run to the Europa League semifinals, where they were eventually eliminated by Manchester United.
Abdul Mumin’s Remarkable Season Despite Injury Setback
Abdul Mumin, also nominated for the MVP award, has shone brightly in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, despite a knee injury that ended his season prematurely. The 24-year-old Ghanaian defender has been a cornerstone of Vallecano’s defense, scoring two goals and providing one assist in 24 league appearances. He also played a crucial role in keeping six clean sheets.
Mumin’s defensive contributions have been complemented by his attacking flair, with his stunning goal against Osasuna earning the La Liga Goal of the Month award in September. His consistency and leadership in defense were key to Rayo Vallecano’s strong push for European qualification, with the club aiming to return to continental football for the first time since the 2000/2001 season.
A Competitive Race for the Title
The two Ghanaian nominees face stiff competition from a host of top African players. Reigning champion Williams will go up against players such as Atlético de Madrid’s Mozambican full-back Reinildo Mandava, Osasuna’s Cameroonian defender Flavien Enzo Boyomo, and Villarreal’s dynamic trio of Pape Gueye (Senegal), Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast), and Logan Costa (Cape Verde), all of whom have been key to their respective teams’ European ambitions.
Voting and Announcement
Voting for the La Liga African Player MVP award will close on May 14, with the winner being revealed on Africa Day, May 25, coinciding with the final matchday of the season. Will Inaki Williams successfully defend his title, or will Abdul Mumin or another contender claim the prestigious honor?
Full List of Nominees:
- Inaki Williams (Athletic Club) – Ghana
- Reinildo Mandava (Atlético de Madrid) – Mozambique
- Cedric Bakambu (Real Betis) – DR Congo
- Ilaix Moriba (RC Celta) – Guinea
- Moussa Diarra (Deportivo Alavés) – Mali
- Djené Dakonam (Getafe CF) – Togo
- Christantus Uche (Getafe CF) – Nigeria
- Yvan Neyou (CD Leganés) – Cameroon
- Seydouba Cisse (CD Leganés) – Guinea
- Omar Mascarell (RCD Mallorca) – Equatorial Guinea
- Flavien Enzo Boyomo (CA Osasuna) – Cameroon
- Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano) – Ghana
- Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano) – Senegal
- Randy Nteka (Rayo Vallecano) – Angola
- Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC) – Nigeria
- Umar Sadiq (Valencia CF) – Nigeria
- Pape Gueye (Villarreal CF) – Senegal
- Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal CF) – Ivory Coast
- Logan Costa (Villarreal CF) – Cape Verde
- Youssouf Sabaly (Real Betis) – Senegal
