Senegal star Pape Gueye crowned La Liga’s Best African Player after outstanding Villarreal season

Senegal international Pape Gueye has been rewarded for his remarkable performances in Spain after being named the Best African Player of the Season in the 2025/2026 La Liga campaign.

The Villarreal midfielder enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career, establishing himself as a key figure for the Yellow Submarine with a series of commanding displays in midfield throughout the campaign.

Gueye’s consistency, energy and influence in both attack and defence played a huge role in Villarreal’s impressive season, with the Senegalese star contributing five goals and two assists in La Liga. His ability to control games from midfield, break up opposition attacks and contribute decisively in the final third made him one of the standout African performers in Spanish football this season.

His exceptional form did not go unnoticed, as fans and journalists voted him the winner of the prestigious award ahead of strong competition from fellow African stars Iñaki Williams and Nicolas Pépé.

Gueye secured 38 percent of the total votes, underlining the huge admiration he earned across the Spanish league with his performances for Villarreal.

The award marks another major milestone in the midfielder’s growing career and further cements his status as one of Senegal’s most important footballers. Since arriving in Spain, Gueye has continued to develop into a complete midfielder, combining physical strength, technical quality and tactical intelligence.

At Villarreal, he became an essential part of the team’s structure this season, often dictating the tempo in midfield while also stepping up in crucial moments with important goals and match-winning performances.

His rise has also been celebrated in Senegal, where supporters continue to take pride in the increasing influence of Senegalese players across Europe’s top leagues. Gueye’s recognition comes as another strong statement about the quality of talent emerging from the West African nation.

The former Marseille midfielder has already established himself as a regular figure for the Lions of Teranga and is expected to play a major role for the national team heading into future international competitions, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

For Villarreal, Gueye’s success is further proof of the club’s ability to develop top-level talent and compete with some of Spain’s biggest clubs despite operating with fewer resources.

Meanwhile, the midfielder’s triumph over established names like Williams and Pépé highlights just how impressive his season has been. While both players also enjoyed strong campaigns, Gueye’s consistency and all-round impact ultimately gave him the edge in the voting.

Winning the Best African Player award in La Liga is expected to further boost his reputation across European football, with many already viewing him as one of the continent’s elite midfielders.

After an unforgettable campaign in Spain, Pape Gueye now heads into the new season with confidence soaring, having firmly announced himself among the very best African stars currently playing in Europe.