Inaki Williams grabs African Most Valuable Player Award

Inaki Williams has been awarded the prestigious La Liga EA Sports African Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2023/24 season, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Athletic Bilbao and La Liga.

The 29-year-old forward secured the accolade after a remarkable campaign in which he netted 12 goals in 34 La Liga appearances, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication on the field.

His impressive tally of 46 points, representing 24% of the votes, underscored his influence throughout the season.

In a closely contested race, Moroccan international Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid followed closely with 37 points, while Youssef En-Nesyri from Sevilla FC secured third place with 30 points. Other notable mentions included Hamari Traore of Real Sociedad, Bertrand Traore of Villarreal CF, and Jonathan Bamba of RC Celta.

During the award ceremony, Williams expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the honour of representing African players in La Liga.

“Thank you very much for the acknowledgment. It is an honour to represent all African players in La Liga. My roots in Ghana are as deep as my love for Bilbao and Athletic Club. I hope to be in contention for this same award next season,” he remarked.

Beyond his La Liga achievements, Williams played a pivotal role in ending Athletic Bilbao’s 40-year Copa del Rey drought, clinching the prestigious title in a thrilling penalty shootout against Mallorca.

His personal milestone of scoring his 100th goal for the Basque club further highlighted his impact this season.

However, concerns persist over Williams’ performance for the Ghana national team, where he has scored only one goal in 17 appearances.

As Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, hopes are high that Williams can replicate his club form on the international stage.

The voting process, overseen by a jury of African journalists from 31 countries and fan votes, acknowledged Williams’ stellar season based on his on-field performances, further cementing his status as a standout player in La Liga.

Source: 3News