Villarreal midfielder and Senegal international Pape Gueye believes he has the credentials to win the African Ballon d’Or, backed by his AFCON title and his goal in the final. He spoke to Canal+ Sport Afrique.
Pape Gueye is making no secret of his ambition. The Villarreal midfielder and Senegal international told Canal+ Sport Afrique on the programme Talents d’Afrique that he is a candidate for the African Ballon d’Or, no question. In comments relayed by wiwsport, the player points to a season full of achievements, both at club level and with the Lions.
Along with Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye is one of the Lions in the running for the trophy. He believes he was decisive at key moments for his country.
A season full of arguments
To back up his case, Pape Gueye points to hard facts. He recalls being named best African player in La Liga in a season in which he also won AFCON on the pitch and scored the goal in the final.
“On a personal level, when you come out of a season like that, where you’re named best African player in La Liga, you win AFCON on the pitch, you score the goal in the final… bam, you’re a candidate for the African Ballon d’Or, no question. No question… well, we’ll find out very soon. I’m not someone who’s going to sell himself. I think I’ve done quite a few good things. I scored at important moments for my country, for my country’s history,” he told Canal+ Sport Afrique, according to wiwsport.
The Villarreal player stresses his contribution at key moments for his country, while insisting he is not someone who sells himself.
Goals written down in advance
Pape Gueye explains that he writes down his goals at the start of every season: goals, assists, matches played, and collective and individual trophies. The African Ballon d’Or was indeed on his list.
“Now, it’s not up to me to vote, we’ll see. But at the start of the season, I always write down my goals: goals, assists, matches played, collective and individual trophies. And it’s true that the African Ballon d’Or was part of my goals. Now we’ll wait for the votes and hope for good news,” he told Talents d’Afrique.
A method that shows an unashamed ambition, with no certainty about the outcome of the vote. He leaves the decision to the voters.
Now the waiting game
Now Pape Gueye is waiting for the votes and hoping for good news. The date of those votes has not been specified. His compatriot Ismaila Sarr is also among the candidates for the trophy.
These comments were reported by wiwsport on 27 October 2026.