Pape Gueye Wins 2025/26 LALIGA MVP Award
Pape Gueye, Senegal international midfielder for Villarreal CF, has been named the 2025/26 SPORTY LALIGA MVP after emerging as the best African player in LALIGA EA SPORTS. The 27-year-old secured 38% of votes cast by fans and expert journalists from Sub-Saharan Africa, finishing ahead of Iñaki Williams (24%) and Nicolas Pépé (22%).
The award recognizes Gueye's crucial role in Villarreal's successful season, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League for a second consecutive campaign. The presentation in Lagos highlights growing African engagement with European football, with fan participation increasing by 150% compared to the previous year.
Gueye's achievement joins a distinguished list of previous winners including Williams, Chukwueze and Bounou. His victory represents the growing influence of African players in European leagues and demonstrates how African football talent is increasingly recognized at the highest levels of international football. Is this award about individual excellence or the growing global recognition of African football talent?