Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye has been named the 2025/26 LALIGA African MVP after emerging as the best African player in La Liga following votes from fans and expert journalists across Africa.
- +Gueye beats Super Eagles duo to win LALIGA African MVP
The 27-year-old Senegal international received the award at a gala ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, capping off an outstanding campaign in which he established himself as one of Villarreal’s most influential players.
The 27-year-old Senegal international received the award at a gala ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, capping off an outstanding campaign in which he established himself as one of Villarreal’s most influential players.
Also shortlisted for the prestigious prize were Super Eagles and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, who narrowly missed out on the honour.
The award was determined through a combined voting process involving an expert jury of 25 football journalists and thousands of fans across Sub-Saharan Africa via the MILIGA Fan Zone platform.
The event featured former La Liga stars Alex Song and Geremi Njitap, while media personalities, influencers, football stakeholders and supporters from across Africa attended the ceremony.
Gueye secured first place with 38 percent of the vote ahead of two-time winner Iñaki Williams of Athletic Club, who finished second with 24 percent. In comparison, Villarreal teammate Nicolas Pépé came third with 22 percent.
Speaking after receiving the award, Gueye expressed pride at becoming the latest African player to receive the recognition.
“It’s a real source of pride and an honour to be named the best African player in LALIGA,” Gueye said.
“It’s the first individual award of my career, and it means a lot to me because in everything I achieve, I’m also representing all of Senegal.”
The midfielder added that he is currently enjoying the best period of his professional career at Villarreal.
“Right now at Villarreal, I’m experiencing the best moment of my career. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, as well as the staff and players, because you never win an individual trophy alone,” he added.
Gueye’s victory capped an impressive second season with Villarreal, where he anchored the midfield and played a key role in helping the club secure UEFA Champions League qualification for a second consecutive campaign.
Tresor Penku, Managing Director of LALIGA Africa, also congratulated Gueye following his remarkable campaign.
“We congratulate Pape on being named this season’s SPORTY LALIGA MVP after a remarkable campaign with Villarreal,” Penku said.
Gueye now joins an elite list of previous winners that includes Samuel Chukwueze, Yassine Bounou and two-time champion Iñaki Williams.
Miguel Puche, Brand Director of Sporty Group, praised Gueye’s performances and the impact of African players in Spanish football.
“At SPORTY we are delighted to congratulate Pape on his win. His performances this season have been a powerful reminder of the quality, character and influence of African players in LALIGA EA SPORTS,” Puche said.
This year’s edition of the SPORTY LALIGA MVP also reflected the growing popularity of Spanish football across Africa, with fan participation increasing by more than 150 percent compared to last season.
