Ivory Coast forward Nicolas Pépé believes Senegal international Pape Gueye deserves to win the 2026 African Player of the Year award, citing his performances in Spain and his contribution to Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Pépé has backed his club team-mate to succeed Achraf Hakimi as the continent’s leading player when the Confederation of African Football (Caf) holds its annual awards.
Gueye strengthened his case by scoring in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, while his performances in La Liga have also earned praise from Pépé.
Speaking to DAZN, the former Arsenal forward said the Senegalese player had produced a season worthy of the continent’s highest individual football honour.
“He was the best African player of the season in La Liga, he won the AFCON, he scored in the final, he’s performing well. So, I think he has a say in the matter. And if he wins, it won’t be undeserved, it will be totally deserved,” the former Arsenal player emphasized to DAZN.
Pépé’s endorsement comes as attention turns to the race for the 2026 award, with African football’s leading performers expected to compete for recognition.
For the Ivory Coast international, Gueye’s achievements provide a strong argument for his selection, particularly his role in Senegal’s continental success and his displays in Spanish football.
Winning the Africa Cup of Nations remains one of the most significant achievements in African football, and scoring in the final against Morocco has added to Gueye’s credentials.
His club performances have also been central to Pépé’s assessment, with the forward describing his team-mate as the best African player in La Liga during the season.
The combination of individual form and international success has led Pépé to conclude that Gueye should be considered among the leading contenders for the award.
However, the Ivorian made clear that his prediction was based on his assessment of the Senegalese midfielder’s performances rather than any conversation between the two players about the possibility of winning the prize.
Pépé said he and Gueye had not discussed the award, adding that his team-mate was not someone who regularly spoke about such recognition.
“We didn’t even talk about it. He doesn’t really talk about all that.”
That comment suggests Gueye has remained focused on his football rather than the speculation surrounding individual honours.
The 2026 Caf Awards will determine who takes over from Hakimi as African Player of the Year, with the debate highlighting the achievements of players representing the continent across Europe’s leading leagues and international competitions.
