Adams and Ejuke Among Nominees for Sporty LALIGA African Player of the Season Award

LALIGA has released the shortlist for the 2025/26 SPORTY LALIGA MVP award, which identifies the premier African player competing in Spain's top-tier league this season.

In its fifth year, this award acknowledges the increasing impact of African footballers in LALIGA EA SPORTS, featuring 20 players selected based on their performances throughout the season. Fans across Africa will play an essential role in selecting the winner through a voting process that merges public votes with evaluations from a panel of experts.

Miguel Puche, Brand Director at Sporty Group, highlighted: "The SPORTY LALIGA MVP continues to celebrate the remarkable contributions African players bring to Spanish football. At SPORTY, we believe football can connect fans globally, and this award honors players who inspire millions across Africa every week. We take pride in partnering with LALIGA to celebrate these stars and foster a deeper connection with the game that fans cherish."

Voting commenced on March 17 and will continue until May 10, 2026. As in previous years, the eventual champion will be chosen based on combined fan votes from all of Sub-Saharan Africa and a council of journalists and football influencers. The award gala will take place in Lagos on May 23, coinciding with the closing weekend of the LALIGA EA SPORTS season. Engaged voters may seize an opportunity to attend this exclusive event.

Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke from Sevilla FC are among the contenders, with Adams having a breakout season highlighted by his performance, including a goal in a significant 4–1 victory against Barcelona.

Noteworthy nominees also include Senegalese internationals Pape Gueye and Pathé Ciss, excelling at Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano respectively. Moreover, established names like Nicolas Pépé and Thomas Partey are on the shortlist as well.

The complete list of nominees comprises Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club), Ilaix Moriba (RC Celta), Grady Diangana (Elche CF), Charles Pickel (RCD Espanyol), Djené Dakonam (Getafe CF), Karl Etta Eyong (Levante UD), Omar Mascarell (RCD Mallorca), Enzo Boyomo (CA Osasuna), Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano), Nobel Mendy (Rayo Vallecano), Rahim Alhassane (Real Oviedo), Eric Bailly (Real Oviedo), David Carmo (Real Oviedo), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Akor Adams (Sevilla FC), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC), Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia CF), Pape Gueye (Villarreal CF), Thomas Partey (Villarreal CF), and Nicolas Pépé (Villarreal CF).

With the voting process now active, all eyes will be on fans across Africa, whose decisions may crown the next football hero recognized as the continent's best performer in Spanish football. Fans can cast their votes for Adams, Ejuke, or any of the listed nominees, which can be accessed for participation online.