Ghana international Inaki Williams has been crowned the best African footballer in the 2023–24 La Liga season for his impressive performances with Athletic Club.
The 29-year-old wins the La Liga EA Sports African MVP award, dedicated to recognizing exceptional talents in the Spanish top division.
Williams saw off competition from the Moroccan duo of Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid) and Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Malian fullback Hamari Traore (Real Sociedad), Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore (Villarreal), and Cote d’Ivoire forward Jonathan Bamba (Celta Vigo).
He won 24% of the votes, for a total of 46 points, from a jury of African journalists from about 31 countries, along with votes from fans. Diaz finished second with 37 points, while his compatriot En-Nesyri settled for third place with 30 points.
🚨 Iñaki Williams to be named 2023/24 LaLiga African MVP shortly.
The Athletic and 🇬🇭 Ghana star got 24% of votes from thousands of fans and African football journos, putting him of 🇲🇦 Brahim Diaz and 🇲🇦 Yousef En-Nesyri.
⚽️ 12 goals
🅰️ 3 assists
👟 34 matches pic.twitter.com/fiCj7QfBMa— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) May 20, 2024
Williams was presented with the award by club legend Andoni Goikoetxea on Monday, and the Black Stars forward expressed his delight at winning the award.
“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,” Williams said.
The Athletic Club No. 9 succeeds Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze, who won the award last campaign during his time with Villarreal.
Williams has been in great form for Bilbao this season, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists in 34 La Liga games.
Additionally, he helped the Basque club end their long wait for a trophy, leading them to triumph in the Copa del Rey with two goals and two assists.
