Villarreal and Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye says winning the African Ballon d’Or is one of his career ambitions.

“The African Ballon d’Or was one of my objectives. It is an award that recognises the hard work of an entire season, and I am doing everything I can to improve every day so that I can reach that level of excellence with my club and my national team,” Gueye said.

The 26-year-old has strengthened his case through a series of impressive performances in European football and for the Lions of the Teranga.

Those displays have established Gueye as a credible contender for one of the continent’s most prestigious individual awards.