Five candidates announced for Belgium's prestigious Ebony Shoe honor
- Andrew Olsson
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Over the weekend the list of five candidates was revealed for one of the top awards in Belgian football, the Ebony Shoe. The honor is bestowed on the best player in Belgian club football of African descent.
Two Nigeria national team members, Genk striker Tolu Arokodare and Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, are on the list to be considered. They are joined by Moroccan Zakaria El Ouahdi, DR Congo international Noah Sadiki and current Canadian international Promise David who formerly represented Nigeria at youth level.
Arokodare appears to be the favorite to claim the prize. The 24-year-old leads the top flight Jupiler Pro League's scoring chart with twenty goals this campaign and appears set to double his tally of twelve goals last season. Arokodare also made his debut for the Nigeria national team in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, appearing twice as a substitute in the March FIFA window.
Onyedika also has an excellent case. The central midfielder impressed in both the league as well as the UEFA Champions League for Brugge while increasing his role with Nigeria's Super Eagles.
El Ouahdi, who played all six matches for Morocco at the 2024 Summer Olympics, is a rising name since the Antwerp-born right back moved to Genk from RWD Molenbeek. The 23-year-old has 6 goals and 2 assists in 37 matches this season.
And Sadiki is perhaps the most exciting name on the list when it comes to future potential. The Anderlecht youth product, born in Brussels, took a major leap forward this season with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.
The 20-year-old DR Congo national team player has 2 goals and 3 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this season and the central midfielder is also known for his versatility. Sadiki's club teammate Promise David is a towering striker who has collected 21 goals and 4 assists in 37 appearances.
The winner of the Ebony Shoe will be announced on May 12. Togo national team striker and current FC Cincinnati player Kévin Denkey won the award last season following his scoring exploits for Cercle Brugge. Former Morocco national team playmaker Mbark Boussoufa holds the record for most Ebony Shoe awards, winning the honor three times with Gent as well as Anderlecht.
