Can Pape Gueye Become Senegal’s Next Midfield Star?

• He is a professional  French footballer
• He plays as a midfielder for Ligue 1 Marseille and the Senegal national team
• He represented Senegal at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Pape Alassane Guaye is a French professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Ligue 1 club Marseille and the Senegal national team.

Born in Montreuil, France, he didn’t have the typical French youth academy journey as most begin their training in top clubs. He started playing at a school club and then enrolled in AS Douanes, a Senegalese academy when he was 10 years old.

After several years of training with the club, he joined Le Harve B, the reserve team of the French Ligue 2 club, marking his professional entry. Gueye gradually integrated into the senior team, making a Ligue 2 appearance and two years later, he earned regular playing time, featuring in over 40 league matches, developing his defensive midfield skills.

After four years with Le Havre, he made a transfer to Ligue 1 giants Marseille, a major step in his career progression. While playing with the club, he adapted to the higher level and contributed to the club’s Coupe de France victory. 

He was loaned out to Sevilla FC in La Liga, where he continued gaining experience in another top European league. A year later, he returned to Marseille, to solidify his role as a key defensive midfielder helping the team compete for trophies.

Internationally, he represents the Senegal national team and has represented the team in two Africa Cup of Nations, in 2021 and 2024.

Pape Gueye’s early and personal life

Pape Alassane Gueye was born on January 24 1999 in Montreuil, France to Senegalese parents who settled in France in search of greener pastures. He played football in school and at the age of ten, he joined a youth academy in Senegal.

Pape Gueye. Photo/Sevilla FC

Since then, he has played for several clubs in France and also internationally for the Senegal national team. At his young age, Gueye has shown potential to become a great midfielder in future, which will also secure him a place with the top clubs.

Pape Gueye career

Born in Montreuil, France, he didn’t have the typical French youth academy journey as most begin their training in top clubs. He started playing at a school club and then enrolled in AS Douanes, a Senegalese academy when he was 10 years old.

After several years of training with the club, he joined Le Harve B, the reserve team of the French Ligue 2 club, marking his professional entry. He gradually integrated into the senior team, making a Ligue 2 appearance and two years later, he earned regular playing time, featuring in over 40 league matches, and developing his defensive midfield skills.

After four years with Le Havre, he made a transfer to Ligue 1 giants Marseille, a major step in his career progression. While playing with the club, he adapted to the higher level and contributed to the club’s Coupe de France victory. 

He was loaned out to Sevilla FC in La Liga, where he continued gaining experience in another top European league. A year later, he returned to Marseille, to solidify his role as a key defensive midfielder helping the team compete for trophies.

Internationally, he represents the Senegal national team and has represented the team in two Africa Cup of Nations, in 2021 and 2024

Pape Gueye’s contribution to the Senegal national team

The young player debuted for the Senegal national team in November 2021 and has played in several crucial matches including the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 World Cup, displaying his undeniable talent and potential.

Pape Gueye. Photo/Eurosport

He was part of the Senegal national team squad that won the 2021 AFCON, a tournament that earned them their first-ever title. The following year, he played in three out of Senegal’s four matches in the 2022 World Cup, including the crucial win against Ecuador that secured their place in the knockout stage.

The young player has shown promise on the Senegal national team but his overall impact on the team as he is on the verge of developing his skills.