Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye has emerged as the winner of the 2025/26 La Liga African MVP Award after an outstanding campaign with Spanish side Villarreal, edging Nigerian striker Akor Adams and several other African stars to claim the prestigious individual honour.
The award ceremony, held in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrated the achievements and contributions of African footballers competing in Spain’s top flight league during the just concluded football season.
Gueye’s victory came after an impressive voting process involving football fans, journalists, analysts, and stakeholders across Africa and Europe. The Villarreal midfielder secured the highest percentage of votes following a season in which he established himself as one of the most influential African players in La Liga.
According to the organisers, Gueye polled 38 percent of the total votes cast to finish ahead of Ghanaian international Iñaki Williams, who finished second with 24 percent.
Former Arsenal and Lille winger Nicolas Pépé claimed third position, while Nigerian stars Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke also made the final shortlist after delivering impressive performances for Sevilla during the season.
The award marked a major achievement for Gueye, who enjoyed arguably the finest campaign of his professional career since joining Villarreal.
The Senegal international played a key role in Villarreal’s successful season as the club secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League once again.
Throughout the campaign, Gueye became known for his tireless work rate, strong defensive abilities, intelligent positioning, and calmness in possession.
His consistency in midfield earned widespread praise from football experts and supporters, many of whom considered him one of the most complete African players in European football this season.
Speaking after receiving the award, Gueye expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout the season.
The midfielder described the recognition as one of the proudest moments of his football journey and dedicated the award to his family, teammates, coaches, and football fans across Senegal and Africa.
He also acknowledged the quality of competition among the nominees, praising fellow African players for continuing to raise the standard of football representation in Europe.
Football analysts believe Gueye’s emergence reflects the growing influence of Senegalese players in global football following the country’s recent successes at both club and international levels.
Over the last decade, Senegal has consistently produced elite football talents competing in Europe’s biggest leagues, with players such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy helping elevate the nation’s reputation internationally.
Although he narrowly missed out on the award, Akor Adams enjoyed a breakthrough season in Spanish football with Sevilla.
The Nigerian striker delivered several outstanding performances throughout the campaign and finished as one of the club’s top attacking players.
Adams reportedly scored 10 league goals and registered three assists during the season, making him one of the highest scoring Nigerian players across Europe’s top five leagues.
His pace, strength, finishing ability, and movement inside the penalty area attracted attention from several football analysts and supporters who praised his rapid adaptation to Spanish football.
The 25 year old striker scored crucial goals against some of La Liga’s biggest clubs and played an important role in helping Sevilla secure important points during difficult moments of the campaign.
Many Nigerian football supporters have described Adams’ performances as one of the biggest positives for the Super Eagles ahead of future international competitions.
Meanwhile, Chidera Ejuke also impressed with his creativity and attacking flair despite battling injuries and strong competition within the Sevilla squad.
The winger consistently provided energy in attack and remained one of the team’s most dangerous dribblers whenever called upon during the season.
The La Liga African MVP Award was established to honour and celebrate African excellence in Spanish football while strengthening connections between African supporters and La Liga.
Since its introduction, the award has grown into one of the most respected recognitions for African footballers playing in Europe.
Previous winners include Samuel Chukwueze, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, and Iñaki Williams.
Samuel Chukwueze remains the only Nigerian footballer to have won the award after his exceptional performances for Villarreal during the 2022/23 season.
Several former football stars and sports personalities attended the award ceremony in Lagos, adding glamour and prestige to the occasion.
Observers believe the continued rise of African footballers in European leagues demonstrates the continent’s growing importance in world football.
African players now occupy central roles at many top clubs across Europe, with several becoming leaders, captains, and global football icons.
For Nigerian football fans, the nominations of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke offer further optimism regarding the future of the Super Eagles attack as the national team prepares for upcoming international tournaments.
Although Gueye eventually claimed the top prize, many football followers believe the performances of Adams and Ejuke have firmly established them among Africa’s rising stars in European football.
As the curtain falls on another exciting La Liga season, the achievements of African players continue to inspire millions of young footballers across the continent dreaming of success on the global stage.
