Akor Adams may have enjoyed his best season in Spanish football yet, but it was not enough to stop Pape Gueye from walking away with the 2025/26 La Liga African MVP award in Lagos on Sunday.
The Nigerian striker was among the shortlisted nominees alongside compatriot Chidera Ejuke, but neither Sevilla player made the final top three as Gueye claimed the prestigious individual honor.
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams missed out on the 2025/26 La Liga African MVP award after Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye claimed the honor in Lagos. photo Credit: Getty Images
So why did Adams lose out despite his impressive numbers?
The biggest factor was Villarreal’s outstanding collective season.
Gueye played a central role as Villarreal secured UEFA Champions League qualification for the second consecutive campaign, with the Senegal midfielder delivering consistent performances throughout the season.
The 26-year-old eventually secured 38 per cent of the total votes, comfortably ahead of Inaki Williams of Athletic Bilbao, who finished second with 24 per cent, while Villarreal winger Nicolas Pepe came third.
Villareal’s Pape Gueye. Photocredit: Imago
Although Adams produced impressive individual numbers for Sevilla, the club struggled for large parts of the campaign and spent significant weeks battling relegation.
The former Montpellier striker still managed to emerge as Nigeria’s highest scoring forward across Europe’s top five leagues after scoring 10 league goals and providing three assists in 32 appearances.
He also delivered crucial moments for Sevilla, including important goals against Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and Villarreal.
But compared to Gueye’s influence in a successful Champions League qualification campaign, Adams’ performances were ultimately not enough to sway voters.
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Speaking after receiving the award in Lagos, Gueye admitted the recognition meant everything to him.
“It’s a real source of pride and an honor to be named the best African player in La Liga,” the Senegal international said.
“It’s the first individual award of my career, and it means a lot to me because in everything I achieve, I’m also representing Senegal.
“Right now, at Villarreal, I’m experiencing the best moment of my career.”
The ceremony also attracted several notable football personalities, including former Barcelona midfielder Alex Song and retired Cameroon defender Geremi Njitap.
Gueye now joins an elite list of winners that includes Yassine Bounou, Williams and former Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze.
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Chukwueze claimed the award in 2023 after an outstanding campaign with Villarreal in which he scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions, including a famous match-winning display against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
