Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has set his sights on winning the 2026 African Ballon d’Or after an impressive period with Spanish club Villarreal and the national team.
The 27-year-old has openly declared his ambition to claim the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) top individual award, saying he will now wait for the outcome of the voting.
“It’s true that the African Ballon d’Or is one of my goals. Now we’ll wait for the votes,” he said in an interview with Canal+ Africa.
Gueye’s hopes are built on his contributions at both club and international level, including a notable role in Senegal’s successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The midfielder was particularly influential during the tournament, scoring the decisive goal in the final against Morocco as the Lions of Teranga secured the continental title.
That performance strengthened his reputation among Senegal’s leading players and added another significant achievement to his growing career.
At club level, Gueye has continued his career in Spain with Villarreal, where his performances have helped maintain his profile in European football.
His ambition to win the African Ballon d’Or places him among a group of players hoping to be recognised for their contributions over the year.
However, the Senegalese midfielder is expected to face strong competition. Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, fellow Senegal international Ismaïla Sarr and Ismael Saibari are among the other players mentioned as potential contenders.
The competition is expected to be closely contested, with voters having to assess performances across club and international football.
For Gueye, his contribution to Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph could prove an important part of his case. Scoring in a continental final is a major achievement, particularly in a competition that brings together some of Africa’s strongest national teams.
His performances for Villarreal will also be relevant as he seeks recognition beyond his achievements with the national side.
The former Olympique de Marseille midfielder has made his intentions clear, but winning the award will depend on how voters assess his performances against those of his rivals.
Gueye’s declaration adds another talking point to the build-up to the 2026 African Ballon d’Or, with several established internationals expected to be in contention.
The Senegalese international now faces a waiting period as the voting process determines who will receive one of African football’s most prestigious individual honours.
Having already helped his country to continental success, Gueye will be hoping to add personal recognition to his achievements and become the latest Senegalese player to claim the award.
