The race for one of Belgium’s most prestigious individual football awards is set to intensify, with Ivorian midfielder Parfait Guiagon emerging as a strong contender for the Ebony Shoe, which recognises the best player of African origin in Belgium.
The award ceremony will take place on Monday, 4 May at 19:00 local time at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels, where Guiagon is among five nominees hoping to succeed last year’s winner, Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare.
Guiagon is competing against Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), and Adem Zorgane (Union Saint-Gilloise), but the Ivorian’s consistent performances this season have placed him firmly in the conversation as a genuine candidate for the prize.
Since joining Royal Charleroi SC from Tel Aviv in 2023, Guiagon has developed steadily into one of the Belgian Pro League’s standout attacking midfielders.
His progression has been reflected not only in his performances but also in his rising market value, which recently reached a personal high of €5 million.
That valuation makes him the second most valuable player at Charleroi, underlining his importance within the squad.
At 25, Guiagon has become a central figure in the team’s attacking structure, often serving as the creative link and driving force in the final third.
His influence has also been recognised beyond the pitch. Supporters voted him Player of the Month in January, a reflection of his growing status as one of the club’s key leaders and most reliable performers.
From an African football perspective, Guiagon’s nomination continues the strong presence of Ivorian players making an impact across Europe.
His form places him in direct competition with some of the league’s most consistent African talents, but his attacking output gives him a realistic chance of claiming the award.
This season, Guiagon’s numbers have strengthened his case significantly.
Across 35 appearances in all competitions, he has started 33 matches, highlighting his importance to the team’s tactical setup and fitness consistency.
He has contributed 11 goals and 5 assists, figures that place him among the most productive attacking midfielders in Belgium this season.
His ability to decide matches in key moments has been a defining feature of Charleroi’s campaign and a major factor in their attacking threat.
For Guiagon, strong performances in the closing stages of the season could prove decisive.
With form, influence, and statistical output all in his favour, the Ivorian midfielder heads into the awards race with a legitimate opportunity to claim one of Belgian football’s most respected individual honours.
