The local football community gathered at the elegant Villa Bologna in Attard on Monday night to celebrate the stars of the 2025-26 season. The annual Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) Awards honored the standout performers across all divisions, headlined by top honors for Joseph Mbong and Andela Kricak.

Premier League Excellence

Joseph Mbong took home the Men’s Best Player award after a stellar year with Ħamrun Spartans. The 29-year-old was a driving force behind the Spartans’ title defense and their historic journey to the UEFA Conference League group stages.

In the women’s game, Swieqi United’s Andela Kricak was named Best Player. The Serbian midfielder’s eight-goal season and Super Cup victory solidified her reputation as a dominant force in the Assikura Women’s League.

Rising Stars and Coaching Masterclasses

The future of Maltese football looks bright with Jake Azzopardi (Valletta) and Yulya Carella (Mġarr United) picking up the Young Player awards. Azzopardi helped lead a resurgent Valletta to the Jubilee Cup, while Carella was instrumental in Mġarr United’s incredible treble-winning campaign.

On the sidelines, Daniel Portela Da Silva (Floriana) was named Best Premier League Coach, while Mġarr United’s Ryan Vella deservedly took home the Women’s Best Coach award.

Challenge & Amateur League Highlights

• Challenge League: Balzan’s Oluwatobiloba Awosanya was named Best Player, while Manuel Caruana (Pietà Hotspurs) earned the coaching honors.
• Amateur Leagues: Scoring machine Precious Nwankwo (Attard) and Ryan Dalli (Kalkara United) were recognized as the top players in Amateur Leagues 1 and 2 respectively.

A Legend Honored

The night concluded with a standing ovation for Raymond Vella, who received the Assikura Merit Award. A two-time MFA Footballer of the Year and legendary Ħamrun Spartans captain, “Mundu” was celebrated for his iconic career and 67 appearances for the national team.

2026 MFPA Winners Gallery

MFPA Best XI – Men’s Premier League

• GK: Henry Bonello (Ħamrun)
• DF: Emerson Marcelina (Ħamrun), Sava Radic (Valletta), Rafael Compri (Ħamrun), Leandro Aguirre (Marsaxlokk)
• MF: Jake Grech (Floriana), Yuri Messias (Valletta), Federico Varela (Floriana)
• FW: Thaylor Aldama (Valletta), Joseph Mbong (Ħamrun), Vitinho (Naxxar Lions)

MFPA Best XI – Women’s League

• GK: Giulia D’Antuono (Mġarr)
• DF: Abigail Camilleri (Mġarr), Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara), Rebecca Bajada (Mġarr), Yanina Mendez (Mġarr)
• MF: Amber Grech (Mġarr), Andela Kricak (Swieqi), Momo Ueda (Birkirkara)
• FW: Salamatu Abdulai (Swieqi), Yulya Carella (Mġarr), Valeria Villegas Caly (Mġarr)

Major Awards at a Glance

• Men’s Best Player: Joseph Mbong
• Women’s Best Player: Andela Kricak
• Men’s Young Player: Jake Azzopardi
• Women’s Young Player: Yulya Carella
• Merit Award: Raymond Vella