PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Idrissa Gana Gueye |
| Date of Birth | 26/09/1989 (Age: 36) |
| Place of Birth | Dakar, Senegal |
| Nationality | Senegalese |
| Height | 1.74 m / 5 ft 8.5 in |
| Weight | 62–66 kg |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #27 |
| Current Club | Everton (Left July 2026) |
| Previous Clubs | Lille, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain |
| International Caps | 135 |
| International Goals | 7 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2018, 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2026 (Expired) |
The Frozen Moment
The Dallas heat was relentless. June 2026. Senegal and France were locked in their World Cup opener, and Idrissa Gueye was patrolling the midfield with the intensity that had defined his career.
The 36-year-old defensive midfielder had already made history. In his 135th cap for Senegal, he was about to experience something new—a strike that would top the leader board for ball speed at the tournament. His goal against Iraq clocked 131.94 km/h, a thunderbolt that announced Senegal’s arrival on the world stage.
Gueye had come a long way from his Ligue 1 debut at Lille. He had won league titles in France, played for Paris Saint-Germain, returned to Everton for a second spell, and been named the club’s Player of the Season in 2024-25. He had won two Africa Cup of Nations titles and played in three World Cups. Now, at 36, he was still running, still tackling, still defying the logic of age.
Origins
Idrissa Gueye was born on September 26, 1989, in Dakar, Senegal. His football journey began in the youth academies of his homeland before he made the move to Europe, joining Lille’s youth system in 2010.
He made his senior debut for Lille in the 2010-11 season, making 11 appearances as the club won the Ligue 1 title—his first major trophy. Over the next four seasons, he established himself as a key player, making over 100 appearances for the club.
The European Forge
Lille (2010-2015):
Gueye made 128 appearances across all competitions for Lille, scoring 5 goals. His best season came in 2014-15, when he made 32 Ligue 1 appearances and scored 4 goals. He was part of the Lille squad that won the Ligue 1 title in 2010-11.
Aston Villa (2015-2016):
In July 2015, Gueye moved to the Premier League, signing for Aston Villa for a fee of around £9 million. He made 35 league appearances and was one of Villa’s few bright spots in a relegation-threatened season.
Everton (2016-2019):
After Villa’s relegation, Gueye joined Everton for a fee of £7.1 million. He was a mainstay in the midfield, making 99 Premier League appearances and being named the club’s Players’ Player of the Season.
Paris Saint-Germain (2019-2022):
In July 2019, Gueye moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee in the region of £30 million. He won two Ligue 1 titles and two French Cups during his time in Paris. He made 111 appearances for the club, scoring 7 goals.
Return to Everton (2022-2026):
In September 2022, Gueye returned to Everton for a fee of around £2 million. His second spell at Goodison Park was even more successful than his first. He was named the club’s Player of the Season in 2024-25 and was twice named Players’ Player of the Season.
In the 2025-26 season, he made 25 Premier League appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. He was a key figure in Everton’s final season at Goodison Park, with manager David Moyes praising his “dedication, professionalism and influence on the pitch.”
On July 23, 2026, Everton confirmed that Gueye would leave the club after seven seasons across two spells, stating he would “pursue a new challenge elsewhere.”
The Anatomy of His Game
Gueye is a defensive midfielder defined by his relentless running, tackling ability, and tactical intelligence. At 36, he remained one of the most hard-working players in the Premier League.
In Possession:
Gueye is a composed passer who keeps the game simple. In the 2025-26 Premier League season, he had a pass completion rate of 87.3%, completing 281 successful passes. He created 2 chances and provided 3 assists.
Out of Possession:
This is where Gueye truly excels. He made 12 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 23 successful duels in the 2025-26 season. His defensive contributions placed him in the 64th percentile among midfielders.
Physical Attributes:
Standing at 1.74 meters and weighing 62 kg, Gueye uses his low center of gravity and endless stamina to cover ground and disrupt opposition attacks. His speed, particularly when striking the ball, was demonstrated by his 131.94 km/h goal against Iraq at the World Cup, the fastest recorded ball speed of the tournament.
Psychological Edge:
Gueye’s mental strength and professionalism have been praised by his managers. David Moyes described his “commitment to the club over many years as exceptional.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Pass Completion | Tackles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 25 | 2,102 | 2 | 3 | 87.3% | 12 | 7 |
| Africa Cup of Nations | 7 | 660 | 0 | 1 | 89.4% | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup | 1 | 88 | 1 | 0 | 91.8% | — | — |
| TOTAL | 33 | 2,850 | 3 | 4 | 89.5% | 12 | 7 |
TABLE B: Career (Top Leagues)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Everton | Premier League | 25 | 2 |
| 2024/25 | Everton | Premier League | 37 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | Everton | Premier League | 25 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | Everton | Premier League | 33 | 0 |
| 2021/22 | PSG | Ligue 1 | 26 | 3 |
| 2020/21 | PSG | Ligue 1 | 28 | 2 |
| 2019/20 | PSG | Ligue 1 | 20 | 1 |
| 2018/19 | Everton | Premier League | 33 | 0 |
| 2017/18 | Everton | Premier League | 33 | 2 |
| 2016/17 | Everton | Premier League | 33 | 1 |
| 2015/16 | Aston Villa | Premier League | 35 | 0 |
| 2014/15 | Lille | Ligue 1 | 32 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 537 | 22 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 1 | Group Stage |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 3 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | 3 | 0 | Group Stage |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2025 | 7 | 0 | Winner |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2021 | 6 | 0 | Winner |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2019 | 6 | 1 | Runner-up |
| Senegal Senior Career | 135 | 7 | — |
TABLE D: The Impact Table (Major Honours)
| Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations | 2021, 2025 |
| Ligue 1 | 2010/11, 2019/20, 2021/22 |
| Coupe de France | 2019/20, 2020/21 |
| Coupe de la Ligue | 2010/11 |
| Everton Player of the Season | 2024/25 |
| Everton Players’ Player of the Season | 2016/17, 2024/25 |
| Total Major Trophies | 8 |
What these figures reveal
is a player of remarkable longevity and trophy-winning pedigree. Gueye has made 537 senior appearances, scored 22 goals, and won 8 major trophies across three countries. He has 135 caps for Senegal, the most of any player in the squad, and has played in three World Cups.
The Present Tense
Idrissa Gueye is 36 years old and at the end of a remarkable career. He left Everton in July 2026 after two spells totaling seven seasons at the club.
The Everton Story:
Gueye’s second spell at Everton was defined by his leadership and consistency. He made 25 Premier League appearances in the 2025-26 season, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists. He was named the club’s Player of the Season for 2024-25 and twice won the Players’ Player of the Season award.
On July 23, 2026, Everton confirmed his departure, stating he would “pursue a new challenge elsewhere.” David Moyes, the Everton manager, said: “Everyone at Everton is hugely grateful for Gana’s dedication, professionalism and influence on the pitch throughout his two spells at the Club.”
The World Cup Campaign:
Gueye was named in Pape Thiaw’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made one appearance in the tournament, against Iraq, where he scored a 131.94 km/h strike that topped the tournament’s speed charts. Senegal were eliminated in the group stage. Gueye’s legacy as a Senegalese football icon remains untarnished.
International Record:
Gueye has 135 caps for Senegal and has scored 7 goals. He has won two Africa Cup of Nations titles (2021, 2025) and played in three World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026). He is one of the most capped players in Senegalese history.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Gueye is known for his professionalism and his commitment to his craft. David Moyes described his “dedication, professionalism and influence on the pitch” as exceptional.
His journey from Dakar to Lille, from Aston Villa to Everton to Paris Saint-Germain and back to Everton, is a story of steady progression and relentless work ethic. At 36, he remains one of the most respected players in African football.
The Verdict from the Camp
David Moyes, Everton Manager:
“Everyone at Everton is hugely grateful for Gana’s dedication, professionalism and influence on the pitch throughout his two spells at the Club. His leadership qualities in and around the dressing room proved crucial, particularly in our final season at Goodison. His commitment to the club over many years was exceptional.”
Everton FC Statement:
“Idrissa Gana Gueye has left Everton after seven seasons across two spells… He will pursue a new challenge elsewhere, having provided seven seasons of top-quality service to the Blues.”
Statistic:
Gueye has 135 caps and 2 AFCON titles for Senegal.
Statistic:
Gueye scored the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup, clocking 131.94 km/h against Iraq.
Statistic:
Gueye has made 537 senior appearances and won 8 major trophies in his career.
Where Next?
Idrissa Gueye is 36 years old and has left Everton after seven seasons across two spells. He will “pursue a new challenge elsewhere.” His future remains uncertain, but he is expected to continue playing at the highest level.
For Senegal, he is a veteran leader. His 135 caps, his two AFCON titles, and his three World Cup appearances have secured his legacy as one of the greatest players in Senegalese history.
From Dakar to Lille, from Aston Villa to Everton to Paris Saint-Germain and back to Everton, Idrissa Gueye’s journey is a story of talent, resilience, and a refusal to be defined by age. The boy from Dakar who became Senegal’s record-breaking midfielder has left an indelible mark on the game. And his story is far from over.
