Pape Gueye has publicly put himself forward for the 2026 African Ballon d’Or, saying: “I have done quite a few good things” to strengthen his case.

The award will be presented in Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December, with the Villarreal midfielder already openly discussing his hopes of winning it.

Speaking on Canal+ Sport Afrique’s programme Talents d’Afrique, the 27-year-old Senegal international said he believed he had a realistic chance of claiming the prize.

Gueye has won recognition for his performances in Spain, having been named the best African player in the Spanish league last season. He also scored the only goal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

However, the result of that final was subsequently overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board, which ruled in favour of Morocco.

A verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), expected at the end of November, could still have an influence on the jury assessing this year’s African Ballon d’Or.

The former Olympique de Marseille player has already received public backing from Villarreal team-mate Nicolas Pepe. Speaking to DAZN in mid-October, the Cote d’Ivoire international said Gueye would be a deserving winner.

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

Gueye has won 48 caps for Senegal and scored seven international goals. His candidacy comes after a season in which he combined club recognition in Spain with a decisive contribution for his national side at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The controversy surrounding the final means the CAS decision could be significant when the award’s jury reaches its verdict. Until then, Gueye remains one of the players publicly associated with the 2026 prize.