AFCON 2025
Pape Gueye has been named the 2025/26 La Liga African MVP after beating Nigerian striker Akor Adams and other top contenders at an awards ceremony held in Lagos on Sunday.
The Senegal midfielder secured 38 per cent of the total votes to claim the prestigious award ahead of Iñaki Williams, who finished second with 24 per cent. Nicolas Pépé placed third after another impressive campaign in Spain.
Sevilla stars Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were also shortlisted for the award following strong performances in La Liga during the season.
Adams enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with Sevilla FC, ending the season as Nigeria’s highest-scoring forward across Europe’s top five leagues. The striker scored 10 league goals and provided three assists in 32 appearances, including crucial strikes against Atlético Madrid, RCD Espanyol and Villarreal CF during Sevilla’s relegation battle.
Despite Adams’ standout performances, the award went to Gueye after a remarkable season with Villarreal CF, where he played a major role in helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking after receiving the award in Lagos, Gueye described the recognition as the biggest individual honour of his career.
“It’s a real source of pride, and an honour, to be named the best African player in La Liga,” he 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. Right now at Villarreal, I’m experiencing the best moment of my career.”
The ceremony was attended by several notable football figures, including former Cameroon international Geremi Njitap and ex-FC Barcelona midfielder Alex Song.
Gueye’s triumph also ends the recent dominance of Ghanaian players in the award, with previous winners including Iñaki Williams and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Former Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze remains among past recipients after winning the award in 2023 following his impressive season with Villarreal.
