Nicolas Pepe: Villarreal’s African star chasing glory in LaLiga

When Nicolas Pepe walked into the LaLiga MVP Africa Player of the Season 2025–26 press conference last week, the room carried a sense of anticipation. Journalists from across the continent — Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, DR Congo, Chad, Cameroon — had gathered, a testament to how much weight his name carries in African football today.  

Pepe’s season has been one of consistency and influence: 40 matches, six assists, and countless moments where his presence tilted games in Villarreal’s favour. It’s no surprise he’s among the frontrunners for the prestigious award of Best African Player in LaLiga.  

Asked about the significance of the prize, Pepe’s response was grounded in humility and focus. “It’s important for Villarreal to qualify for the UEFA Champions League again… we want to give the supporters what they deserve,” he said, emphasising the collective ambition over personal accolades. Villarreal currently sit third, and for Pepe, the mission is clear — stay there until the season’s end.  

The conversation turned to inspiration. When asked which African players shaped his vision of La Liga growing up, Pepe didn’t hesitate: Yaya Toure. “At Barcelona, he was one of the players I loved to watch when I turned on the TV,” Pepe recalled, his admiration evident.  

He also spoke with glowing praise about Ademola Lookman, now dazzling in Madrid for Atletico. “What a player! Within two months he won everyone over… he’s a top, top, top player,” Pepe said, highlighting the Nigerian’s late but impactful arrival at a major club.  

Pressed to name his top five African players in LaLiga history, Pepe leaned on the legends: Toure, Samuel Eto’o, Seydou Keita, Emmanuel Adebayor — names that have left indelible marks on Spanish football.  

What emerges from Pepe’s words is a portrait of a player who understands his place in a lineage. He is not just chasing personal glory; he is carrying forward a tradition of African excellence in Europe’s elite leagues. His nomination is more than recognition — it’s a reminder that Villarreal’s star winger is writing his own chapter in a story that stretches from Touré’s Barcelona days to Lookman’s Madrid brilliance.  

And perhaps, when the final votes are counted, Nicolas Pepe’s name will join that illustrious roll of African greats who have conquered LaLiga. Catch all the LaLiga EA Sports action live on SuperSport.