Iñaki Williams wins LaLiga's African MVP award for second year in a row

Iñaki Williams has been named LaLiga's 2024/25 African MVP. The Athletic Club striker received the award following a public vote by fans and votes submitted by 25 prestigious sports journalists from the African continent.

The Zurigorri forward is the first player to win the award twice in a row after also receiving it last season.

Iñaki, born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, arrived at Lezama as an under-18 player after taking his first steps in football in Pamplona. He made his first-team debut under Ernesto Valverde in the 2014/15 season, and has since made a total of 471 appearances for Athletic Club, scoring 111 goals.

Williams' brilliant season makes him a deserved winner. In addition to helping Athletic reach the Europa League semi-finals, the Rojiblancos have enjoyed a historic campaign in LaLiga, sealing fourth place and securing Champions League qualification for the first time in 11 years.

The 30-year-old forward also played the most minutes out of the entire first-team squad (2,653 in 50 games), contributing 11 goals and 9 assists, being a key player in the team's succeses.

This is the fourth season in which LaLiga has presented this award to the competition's most outstanding players with links to the African continent. This year, Williams edged out second-placed Pepe Gueye (Villarreal) and third-placed Flavien Boyomo (Osasuna) in the voting.