Pape Gueye has been named the 2025/26 LALIGA MVP, awarded to the best African player in LALIGA, following an outstanding campaign with Villarreal CF.
The Senegal international played a key role in helping Villarreal secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Operating mainly as a central midfielder and at times as a defensive midfielder, Gueye showcased his quality on both ends of the pitch across 30 league appearances.
The 26-year-old finished the season with five goals and two assists, while also recording 13 shots on target, 869 passes, 23 chances created, and three big chances created.
Defensively, Gueye was equally influential. He registered 40 tackles, 34 interceptions, nine blocked shots, 111 ball recoveries, and 59 clearances.
He also won possession 14 times in the final third, won 54 fouls and contested 133 duels, underlining his importance in Villarreal’s ability to dominate possession and control matches.
It’s an Honor – Gueye
Speaking after receiving the award, Gueye expressed his pride at becoming the latest winner of the prestigious honour.
“It’s a real source of pride and an honour to be named the best African player in LALIGA. 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,” Gueye said.
He added:
“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.”
The award is decided through votes from fans and a panel of 25 journalists from across Africa.
Gueye earned 38% of the votes, finishing ahead of his Villarreal teammate Nicolas Pépé and Iñaki Williams of Athletic Club.
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Williams finished second with 24% of the votes, while Pépé came third with 22%.
Gueye becomes the fourth recipient of the SPORTY LALIGA MVP award since its inception.
Yassine Bounou was the inaugural winner in the 2021/22 season, while Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze claimed the award in 2022/23, becoming the only Nigerian to win the honour so far.
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