Ever heard of the Ebony Shoe? It's the prize given each season to the best black player in Belgium’s top league. Fans love it because it celebrates talent, hard work and the impact of African‑descent players on Belgian football.
The award started back in 1975 and has become a big deal for clubs and players alike. Every year a panel of journalists, former players and coaches vote on who performed best, not just on goals but on overall influence. Winning the Ebony Shoe can boost a player’s market value, earn a national team call‑up, and even spark transfer rumors.
Recent winners include big names like Romelu Lukaku, Bryan Mbeumo and Victor Osimhen. Their success shows that the award isn’t just a trophy – it’s a career milestone. If a youngster sees a player lift the Ebony Shoe, it tells them that hard work can pay off.
While the award itself isn’t on the news every week, the players who win or get nominated often pop up in other headlines. For example, Benjamin Sesko’s possible move to Manchester United sparked talk about how an Ebony Shoe winner could shape a top Premier League side. Luis Suárez’s three‑game suspension in MLS reminded us that even top players face discipline challenges that affect their award chances.
Another story worth a look is the Goztepe vs Besiktas prediction article. Besiktas, a club that has produced several Ebony Shoe winners, is fighting for European spots – a performance that could influence future voting.
If you follow South African cricket, the ICC Champions Trophy win by the Proteas shows how athletes from our continent shine on the world stage, just like the Ebony Shoe winners do in Europe.
To stay on top of the Ebony Shoe, keep an eye on transfer news, match reports and player interviews. A sudden goal streak, a key assist in a derby, or a standout performance in the Champions League often tips the scales in the final vote.
That’s why this tag page pulls together all stories that touch the Ebony Shoe world – from award history, to winner profiles, to the broader football narrative. Bookmark the page, check back regularly, and you’ll never miss a beat on the players shaping Belgian football.
21 Sep
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has been a decisive force for KRC Genk in the Belgian Championship playoffs, netting four goals since the split and keeping the club in contention despite a dip in form. A recent winner against Gent broke a winless streak and lifted morale ahead of the final home game. Genk slipped from top spot after April defeats, now trailing Union SG and Club Brugge but still holding a slim chance. Arokodare’s season tally of 21 goals earned him the Ebony Shoe award, underscoring his impact.