Inaki Williams celebrates African heritage after winning La Liga's best African player award

Ghana striker Inaki Williams has expressed immense pride in his African roots after being named the best African player in La Liga for the second consecutive year.

The Athletic Bilbao and Black Stars forward outshone Villareal's Senegalese midfielder Pepe Gueye and Cameroon’s Flavien Boyomo of Osasuna to claim the award once again.

Born in Spain to Ghanaian parents, Williams was instrumental in Athletic Bilbao's successful campaign, helping the club secure a fourth-place finish in La Liga and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Reacting to the recognition, Williams said, "It's a real honour to be able to represent our roots in this way, to make us seen in a league that's so special and has always had such a huge following."

Over the course of the season, the 30-year-old contributed 14 goals in 35 league matches, while also netting six goals in both the Europa League and the Copa del Rey.

His outstanding form was further rewarded as he was named the new captain of Athletic Bilbao, succeeding Oscar de Marcos, who retired at the end of the season.

🏅 Iñaki 𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐮 Williams has been voted as @LaLigaEN's #AfricanMVP for a second year in a row.

"It's a great source of pride to represent our roots and bring visibility to African players in this league."

👏 Zorionak, Iñaki!@Williaaams45 I #AthleticClub 🦁
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en)

May 28, 2025