Pape Gueye eyes African Ballon d’Or

After a remarkable year with both his club and the national team, the Senegalese midfielder is now dreaming of winning this prestigious award.

Speaking on Canal+ Afrique, Pape Gueye acknowledged that the African Ballon d’Or was one of his personal goals. Last season, Pape Gueye excelled for his club Villarreal and with the Lions of Teranga.

He was named the best African player in La Liga and won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, scoring the winning goal in the final.
These performances have strengthened his standing amongst the potential contenders for the continent’s most coveted individual award.

When asked about his ambition to win this prize, which recognises the best African player of the year, Pape Gueye did not shy away from the question.
He explained that he sets specific targets at the start of every season, both on an individual and a team level.

“I’m not one to boast, but at the start of the season, I always write down my targets for goals, assists, matches and trophies. The African Ballon d’Or was one of them.

“ I do everything I can to improve every day so that I can reach this level of excellence with my club and my national team,” said the Senegalese midfielder.