Senegal international Pape Gueye has been named the best African player in LaLiga for the 2025/2026 season after an impressive campaign with Villarreal CF.
The award recognises the midfielder’s consistency and influence throughout the Spanish top-flight season, where he emerged as one of the standout African performers in European football.
Gueye played 30 matches during the campaign, scoring five goals and contributing two assists as Villarreal enjoyed a strong season in LaLiga.
His performances in midfield earned widespread praise for combining technical quality, physical strength and attacking contribution.
The Senegalese player ended the season in particularly strong fashion, producing one of the highlights of Villarreal’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.
His powerful long-range strike in that match further strengthened his reputation as one of the league’s most influential midfielders.
For Senegalese supporters, the recognition is another major moment in what has become a significant period for football in the West African nation.
Gueye’s rise reflects the continued impact of francophone African footballers across Europe’s leading leagues, particularly players developed through French and Senegalese football systems.
The award also comes at an important time for Senegal, with the Lions of Teranga preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gueye’s form heading into the tournament is expected to provide a major boost for the national team as they seek another strong global campaign.
Already an African champion with Senegal, the midfielder has continued to grow in stature since moving into Spanish football.
His performances this season have demonstrated both maturity and consistency, qualities that have made him increasingly important for both club and country.
Observers in Spain have highlighted Gueye’s ability to influence matches in multiple phases of play.
While naturally a midfielder capable of controlling possession, he also showed a growing attacking threat throughout the season, contributing decisive goals in important matches.
The award further underlines the growing presence of African players in LaLiga, where footballers from francophone nations such as Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Morocco continue to make a strong impact.
For Villarreal, Gueye’s development has been one of the key positives of their campaign.
The midfielder became a regular presence in the side and established himself as one of the team’s most dependable performers.
