The 2026 African Ballon d’Or will be awarded on 7 December in Lagos. CAF has not even published the list of nominees yet. Nicolas Pépé, however, has already made his choice. And it is not his compatriot Yan Diomandé.
Speaking to DAZN, the Villarreal and Ivory Coast winger made the case for his club team-mate, Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye: « Pape Gueye was the best African player of the season in La Liga, won the AFCON, scored in the final and he’s performing. If he wins it, it’s totally deserved! » He added that the two had not discussed it together. In other words, spontaneous support, and a small snub for the Elephants’ new star.
It all hinges on CAS
Gueye’s case remains tied to an explosive dispute. The only scorer in the AFCON 2025 final, he saw Senegal stripped of the title by CAF in favour of Morocco. The Court of Arbitration for Sport must now rule.
If CAS sides with Senegal, the former Marseille man will become the big favourite, Afrik-Foot believes. If not, Achraf Hakimi, the holder, will be well placed for back-to-back wins.