Youssouf Sabaly, Pathé Ciss, and Pape Gueye have been shortlisted among 20 contenders for the 2023/24 La Liga African Player of the Season award, placing Senegal firmly at the heart of one of the league’s most competitive accolades.
The trio of Senegalese internationals have each delivered standout performances this season for their respective clubs.
Sabaly, who plies his trade at Real Betis, has enjoyed a relatively injury-free campaign, allowing the veteran right-back to string together consistent displays across the league.
His defensive solidity and leadership have been vital assets for Betis as they battled through the season.
Midfielder Pathé Ciss has hit a personal milestone with Rayo Vallecano, contributing four goals in 30 appearances — the highest scoring tally of his career.
His box-to-box energy and physical presence have made him a crucial figure in Vallecano’s midfield.
At Villarreal, Pape Gueye has showcased his versatility under Marcelino’s rigid 4-4-2 formation.
Whether deployed as part of a double pivot or in a more advanced midfield role, Gueye has made his presence felt, scoring twice in 29 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.
The trio will face stiff competition from a diverse group of African stars across La Liga.
Ghana’s Iñaki Williams, who claimed the award last season, is once again in contention after another productive year with Athletic Club.
Previous winners of the accolade include Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze and Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, both of whom left a lasting impression during their time in Spain’s top flight.
This year’s nominees represent a broad spectrum of talent from across the continent, with standout names including Villarreal’s Nicolas Pepé (Ivory Coast), Getafe’s Djené Dakonam (Togo), and DR Congo’s Cédric Bakambu, also of Real Betis.
Emerging talents like Christantus Uche of Nigeria and Cape Verde’s Logan Costa have also been recognised for their rising influence.
The award, now in its fourth edition, celebrates the impact and excellence of African players in La Liga.
It reflects not only individual brilliance but the growing significance of African footballers in shaping the league’s narrative.
Full list of nominees:
Pape Gueye (Villarreal / Senegal)
Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano / Ghana)
Moussa Diarra (Alavés / Mali)
Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club / Ghana)
Enzo Boyomo (Osasuna / Cameroon)
Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano / Senegal)
Youssouf Sabaly (Real Betis / Senegal)
Djené Dakonam (Getafe / Togo)
Yvan Neyou (Leganés / Cameroon)
Nicolas Pepé (Villarreal / Ivory Coast)
Randy Nteka (Rayo Vallecano / Angola)
Christantus Uche (Getafe / Nigeria)
Seydouba Cissé (Leganés / Guinea)
Logan Costa (Villarreal / Cape Verde)
Omar Mascarell (RCD Mallorca / Equatorial Guinea)
Ilaix Moriba (Celta Vigo / Guinea)
Reinildo Mandava (Atlético Madrid / Zimbabwe)
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC / Nigeria)
Umar Sadiq (Valencia FC / Nigeria)
Cédric Bakambu (Real Betis / DR Congo)
As anticipation builds, the competition not only honours individual talent but highlights the growing depth and influence of African players in Spanish football.
