Nicolas Pepe backs Senegal star Pape Gueye to win African Footballer of the Year award

Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe has backed Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye to win the African Footballer of the Year award, insisting his performances and achievements make him a deserving candidate for the prestigious individual honour.

The 2026 awards ceremony has been scheduled to take place on December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria. Last year’s event saw Morocco and Paris Saint Germain star Achraf Hakimi and Al Hilal and Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claim top honours.

The prestigious ceremony will bring together some of the biggest names in African football to celebrate outstanding achievements across the continent.

However, Pepe has backed his Villarreal teammate to bag the award, saying he has built a strong case for the award following an impressive season in Spain, coupled with his contribution to Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

“He has the CV for it! He was the best African player in La Liga last season, won AFCON, scored in the final, and has been performing consistently,” Pepe told DAZN France.

The former Arsenal winger believes Gueye’s achievements put him in a strong position to compete for the award, adding that winning it would be a deserved recognition of his performances.

“So I think he has a real chance. And if he wins, it won’t be undeserved — it would be totally merited. We haven’t even talked about it. He doesn’t really talk much about all that,” he added.

Gueye’s performances have strengthened his reputation as one of Senegal’s influential midfielders, with his club displays and contributions on the international stage earning him growing recognition.

Pepe’s endorsement adds to the conversation surrounding the race for Africa’s top individual football honour, with the Ivorian convinced that Gueye’s achievements deserve serious consideration.

For Gueye, the focus will remain on maintaining his level of performance, while his AFCON success and displays in Spanish football provide compelling arguments in his bid for the award.