Who is Pape Gueye? Senegal’s AFCON 2025 Hero and Final Goal Scorer
- Pape Gueye is a 26-year-old Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for La Liga club Villarreal, known for his physical presence, technical ability, and box-to-box style.
- He scored the dramatic extra-time winning goal in the AFCON 2025 final, securing a 1-0 victory for Senegal over hosts Morocco in a match marred by controversy, including a temporary walk-off by the Senegalese team in protest of a penalty decision.
- Born in France to Senegalese parents, Gueye switched from representing France at youth levels to Senegal’s senior team in 2021, contributing to their 2021 AFCON triumph and now etching his name in history with the 2025 title.
- His club career includes stints at Le Havre, Marseille, a loan to Sevilla, and Villarreal since 2024, with over 279 career appearances and 15 goals as of late 2025.
- While celebrated for his heroics, debates around the final’s officiating highlight ongoing discussions in African football, though evidence points to Gueye’s strike as a legitimate and pivotal moment.
Pape Gueye has emerged as a household name in African football following his stunning extra-time goal that clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 for Senegal.
Pape Gueye Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Born on January 24, 1999, in Montreuil, France, to Senegalese parents, Pape Alassane Gueye grew up with dual cultural influences.
Standing at 1.89 meters (6 ft 2 in), his physical attributes made him a standout in youth football. He began his career at Blanc-Mesnil SF before joining Le Havre’s academy in 2012, setting the stage for a professional breakthrough.
Key Career Milestones of Pape Gueye
Gueye’s professional debut came with Le Havre in Ligue 2, followed by a controversial move to Watford and eventual success at Marseille.
His international switch to Senegal in 2021 marked a turning point, leading to AFCON glory. Recent form at Villarreal has seen him contribute goals and assists, solidifying his reputation as a versatile midfielder.
About Pape Gueye
Pape Gueye, the Senegalese midfielder who etched his name into African football history with a stunning extra-time winner in the AFCON 2025 final, represents a blend of European training and African passion.
He is the heroic goal that secured Senegal’s second AFCON title.
Born on January 24, 1999, in Montreuil, France, to Senegalese parents, Gueye holds dual nationality but chose to represent Senegal internationally.
At 26 years old and standing 1.89 meters tall, he is known for his defensive solidity, physical strength, and ability to contribute offensively as a box-to-box midfielder.
His left-footed precision and game-reading skills have made him a key player for club and country, though his career has faced hurdles like contractual disputes and injuries.
From humble beginnings in French youth football to starring in one of the continent’s most dramatic finals, Gueye’s story is one of perseverance.
His market value, estimated at around €25 million as of October 2025, reflects his growing stature in European leagues.
While debates around the AFCON 2025 final’s officiating persist—with some sources highlighting controversy over a late penalty—Gueye’s goal remains a celebrated moment, backed by multiple reports confirming its legitimacy and impact.
Pape Gueye Biography: Early Life and Personal Background
Pape Alassane Gueye was born in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, France, into a family with strong Senegalese roots. Growing up in a multicultural environment, he developed a passion for football early on.
Gueye joined local club Blanc-Mesnil SF from 2005 to 2012, honing his skills before moving to Le Havre’s youth academy at age 13. His dual heritage allowed him to represent France at U18 and U19 levels, but he ultimately committed to Senegal, debuting in 2021. Off the field, Gueye is known for his low-key personality, focusing on family and philanthropy in Senegal.
He wears adidas gear and is represented by the ROOF agency, with his preferred left foot making him a versatile asset in midfield.
Club Career Highlights
Gueye’s professional journey began in France’s Ligue 2 and evolved through top European clubs. His adaptability across leagues—from defensive duties to occasional goal-scoring—has been key to his success. Below is a breakdown of his club stints, with stats as of December 10, 2025.
Le Havre (2017–2020)
Gueye made his senior debut for Le Havre on May 5, 2017, in a 0-0 draw against Chamois Niortais. He signed his first professional contract in June 2017, playing 39 senior matches without scoring, while contributing 2 goals in 39 appearances for the B team. This period built his reputation as a reliable defensive midfielder.
Watford and Contract Dispute (2020)
In April 2020, Gueye agreed to a five-year deal with Premier League side Watford, but a contract dispute led to him joining Marseille instead for €3 million. The saga resulted in a one-year transfer ban for Marseille in 2022, though Gueye never played for Watford.
Marseille (2020–2024)
Signing a four-year deal in July 2020, Gueye became a mainstay at Olympique de Marseille. He amassed 115 appearances, 5 goals, and assists across Ligue 1 and continental competitions, including a runner-up finish in the 2020 Trophée des Champions. His tenure included strong performances in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Sevilla Loan (2023)
Loaned to Sevilla in January 2023, Gueye featured in 16 La Liga matches, scoring once. Although cup-tied for their 2022–23 UEFA Europa League victory, the experience enhanced his tactical awareness in Spanish football.
Villarreal (2024–Present)
Joining Villarreal on a free transfer in July 2024 with a four-year contract, Gueye has thrived, making 47 appearances and scoring 6 goals by late 2025. His contributions have helped Villarreal in La Liga and European campaigns, showcasing his evolution into a more attacking threat.
Club Stats by Season Table (All Competitions, as of Dec 2025)
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | Le Havre B | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017-18 | Le Havre | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018-19 | Le Havre | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019-20 | Le Havre | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020-21 | Marseille | 39 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021-22 | Marseille | 42 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022-23 | Marseille/Sevilla | 35 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023-24 | Marseille | 30 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | Villarreal | 35 | 4 | 2 |
| 2025-26 | Villarreal | 12 | 2 | 1 |
Note: Stats approximate from league and major cups; totals: 279 apps, 15 goals.
International Career Overview
Gueye represented France at youth levels (U18: 4 apps; U19: 6 apps) before switching to Senegal in 2021. His senior debut came on November 14, 2021, in a 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over Congo.
With 40 caps and 6 goals as of January 18, 2026, he has been integral to Senegal’s successes, including the 2021 AFCON win and the 2022 FIFA World Cup (3 apps).
He was awarded the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion by Senegal’s President in 2022.
International Stats by Year Table
| Year | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 9 | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Total: 40 apps, 6 goals; includes AFCON, World Cup qualifiers, and friendlies.
The Heroic AFCON 2025 Final Goal
In the AFCON 2025 final on January 18, 2026, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Senegal faced hosts Morocco in a tense 0-0 draw after 90 minutes.
Controversy erupted when Senegal walked off in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco, but they returned after a 14-minute delay.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and in the 94th minute of extra time, Gueye unleashed a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box, beating goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and securing a 1-0 victory.
This goal—Senegal’s first in an AFCON final after three previous goalless appearances—marked their second title, following 2021.
Reports describe it as a “worldie” and “stunner,” with Gueye crediting team spirit amid feelings of “injustice” from the officiating.
Overall Career Stats Summary (Club & International Combined)
Gueye’s combined stats reflect steady growth, with a shift toward more offensive contributions in recent years.
Combined Stats Table
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017-18 | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018-19 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019-20 | 26 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020-21 | 41 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021-22 | 52 | 1 | 3 |
| 2022-23 | 43 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023-24 | 38 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | 44 | 6 | 3 |
| 2025-26 | 16 | 3 | 1 |
Career totals: 310 apps, 16 goals, 8 assists (as of Jan 2026).
Pape Gueye’s Career Analysis and Legacy
Pape Gueye’s career trajectory—from Ligue 2 obscurity to AFCON hero—highlights his resilience amid challenges like the Watford dispute and injuries.
His physicality and versatility make him a modern midfielder, drawing comparisons to players like Idrissa Gueye (no relation). While some critics note his limited goal tally earlier in his career, recent form at Villarreal and Senegal suggests untapped potential.
The AFCON 2025 goal not only silenced doubters but also sparked discussions on officiating in African football, with sources emphasizing Senegal’s sense of “injustice” yet praising Gueye’s composure.
As Senegal eyes the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Gueye’s legacy as a two-time AFCON winner is secure, influencing young talents in France and Senegal. Keep watching for his La Liga impact, where he’s on pace for a career-best season.
