Nicolas Pépé backs Pape Gueye for African Ballon d’Or

The Ivorian forward has shown his support for his Villarreal team-mate, highlighting his performances for his club and the Senegalese national team.

Pape Gueye can count on Nicolas Pépé’s support in the race for the African Ballon d’Or. The Ivorian winger believes the Senegalese midfielder has what it takes to win this individual award, given his season and his performances on the international stage.

“He has the track record to win it. He was the best African player of the season in La Liga, he won the Africa Cup of Nations, he scored in the final, and he’s doing well. If he wins it, it will be fully deserved. We haven’t talked about it much; he doesn’t talk much about all that,” Nicolas Pépé told DAZN.

With Villarreal, Pape Gueye scored five goals and provided two assists in La Liga last season. For his national side, he has also excelled in major international tournaments. The Senegalese international scored three goals at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, before netting twice and providing one assist at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.