Akor Adams leads the nominees for 2025/26 LALIGA MVP award

LALIGA has unveiled the nominees for the 2025/26 SPORTY LALIGA MVP award, recognising the best African player in Spain’s top flight this season.

Now in its fifth edition, the accolade highlights the growing influence of African footballers in La Liga.

The winner will join an elite list of past recipients, including two-time winner Iñaki Williams, Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Read Also: LaLiga secures record €6.1bn domestic deal for 2027–32 cycle

Organised in partnership with SPORTY, the award underscores a shared commitment to strengthening ties between Spanish and African football while celebrating players who continue to inspire fans across the continent.

Voting for the SPORTY LALIGA MVP opened on March 17 and will run until Sunday, May 19, 2026.

The final winner will be determined through a combination of fan votes from Sub-Saharan Africa and a panel of experts, including journalists and football stakeholders. The announcement is scheduled for May 23 in Lagos, coinciding with the final weekend of the LALIGA season.

Top Contenders in Focus

Athletic Club captain Iñaki Williams is once again among the frontrunners as he targets a third consecutive title, having played a key role in his side’s push for European qualification.

Nigeria’s Akor Adams has emerged as one of the breakout stars, leading Sevilla’s attack and delivering standout performances, including a goal in a 4–1 win over Barcelona.

Getafe captain Djené Dakonam remains a consistent defensive presence, while Villarreal’s Pape Gueye and Rayo Vallecano’s Pathé Ciss have also impressed with influential displays this season.

Full List of Nominees

Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club, Ghana).

Ilaix Moriba (RC Celta, Guinea)

Grady Diangana (Elche CF, DR Congo)

Charles Pickel (Espanyol, DR Congo)

Djené Dakonam (Getafe CF, Togo)

Karl Etta Eyong (Levante UD, Cameroon)

Omar Mascarell (Mallorca, Equatorial Guinea)

Enzo Boyomo (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)

The award continues to highlight Africa’s expanding footprint in European football, with this year’s nominees reflecting both established stars and emerging talents shaping the LALIGA season.