Yvan Neyou’s moment of destiny: LaLiga Africa MVP and the battle for survival

As the clock ticks down to the season’s dramatic conclusion, Cameroonian midfielder Yvan Neyou finds himself at a defining crossroads - one that could cement his place among LaLiga’s elite and one that could determine the fate of his club.

Neyou, nominated for the prestigious LaLiga Sporty African MVP, stands on the brink of an individual honour that would mark a significant milestone in his career.  The winner will be announced on Sunday, 25 May. Yet, as he prepares for Leganés’ final battle in the fight against relegation, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Neyou’s nomination speaks volumes about his impact this season. In a league teeming with talent, earning a spot among the best African players in Spain is no small feat.

“To win this prize will be excellent and will enhance my reputation,” Neyou admits, recognising the importance of the award - not just for himself, but for his country. It’s a symbol of excellence, a validation of hard work, and a sign of the growing influence of African players in one of the world’s top leagues.

Who does he think is the best player in LaLiga apart from himself?

“Apart from me there are some great players like Brian Diaz, Inaki Williams, with Inaki, he could win this award because his performances are always excellent and he’s had a great season with his club, and they might qualify for the Champions League. He scores goals and he is the captain. So he is a player who could easily win this prize.”

But while individual accolades beckon, Neyou’s focus remains firmly on Leganés’ survival mission. The newly promoted club faces a desperate fight to stay in LaLiga, with only two points separating them from safety.

With the final day approaching, they must conquer Real Valladolid while keeping an anxious eye on RCD Espanyol’s result. The midfielder remains grounded in the realities of football: “We knew from the start of the season that we would need to fight to stay up.”

Beyond the immediate tension, Neyou’s career trajectory has been marked by resilience. His leadership on and off the pitch, particularly in mentoring younger African talent like Seydouba Cissé, speaks to his influence beyond statistics.

He understands the significance of having African representation thrive in the toughest leagues and continues to push the boundaries for himself and his peers.

Whether Neyou lifts the MVP trophy or leads Leganés to safety, this is a defining week for a player who embodies both talent and perseverance. As the whistle blows on a season filled with twists, his next chapter will unfold—a journey shaped by determination, pride, and the desire to leave an enduring mark on Spanish football.

On playing for the Cameroon national team… “My relationship with the manager is normal. When you play for the national team, you are representing your country, and you work hard, you do what he (the coach) asks you to do.

"I will do anything for my country. In terms of competition, I think that’s healthy. We all want to play, but it’s impossible for us all to play. The coach needs to select his team, and we accept his decision and support my brothers who are chosen ahead of me.

"The most important thing is that the team needs to succeed, and all we want is to win as many matches as possible, to continue to fly the flag for our country and wear our colours with pride."