Pape Gueye named 2025/26 Sporty La Liga MVP

Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye has been named the 2025/26 Sporty La Liga MVP, an award that also recognizes him as the best African player in Spain’s top flight.

The 27-year-old Senegal international received the honor at a gala in Lagos, Nigeria, capping off a season in which he became one of Villarreal’s most dependable players.

Gueye finished top of the vote with 38 percent, ahead of Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams on 24 percent and Villarreal teammate Nicolas Pepe on 22 percent. The award was decided through a combined vote that included 25 leading African football journalists and thousands of fans on MiLiga.

His influence in midfield helped Villarreal stay strong throughout the campaign and secure Champions League qualification for a second straight season. For the club and for Senegal, it was a proud moment, especially because Gueye called it the first individual trophy of his professional career.

The recognition underlines how much he has grown into a key figure for both club and country. It also reflects a season of consistency, control and leadership from the Villarreal engine room.