Nicolas Pepe backs Pape Gueye for 2026 African Ballon d’Or

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The award will be presented in Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to announce the shortlist, but Pepe has already identified the player he believes should succeed Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.

Speaking to DAZN, the 31-year-old Ivory Coast winger, who has won 59 caps and scored 14 goals for his country, backed his Villarreal team-mate rather than Diomande, with whom he also plays for the Elephants.

“If he wins, it is totally deserved,” Pepe said of Gueye.

The Senegal international, 27, has made 48 appearances for his country and scored seven goals. Pepe believes Gueye’s claim is supported by his performances for Villarreal during the 2025-2026 season and his contribution to Senegal’s campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gueye scored the only goal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before Senegal were subsequently stripped of the title by CAF, with Morocco awarded the competition. He also impressed for the Lions of Teranga at the 2026 World Cup.

The former Marseille player scored twice and provided an assist in Senegal’s crucial group-stage victory over Iraq. He then produced another strong display in the last 16 before being substituted as Senegal went on to lose to Belgium.

Gueye’s prospects could depend on the outcome of Senegal’s legal dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations. Should the Court of Arbitration for Sport rule in Senegal’s favour, he would become the clear favourite for the African Ballon d’Or, according to Pepe’s assessment.

If the decision goes against Senegal, Achraf Hakimi would be well placed to win the award for a second consecutive year.