African Ballon d’Or: “I’ve done quite a few good things,” Senegalese player declares his candidacy

Pape Gueye, a 27-year-old Villarreal midfielder and Senegal international, said the 2026 African Ballon d’Or is among his goals. He believes he has performed well and scored at important moments for Senegal, but says the outcome depends on the votes. The award will be presented on December 7 in Lagos, while an expected ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final could influence the jury. Ivory Coast teammate Nicolas Pépé has also said Gueye would fully deserve to win.