Nicolas Pépé Among La Liga’s Top 10 Dribblers as Villarreal Eyes Champions League Return

Madrid – While the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 selection list did not include his name, Nicolas Pépé is answering with his feet. The 30-year-old Ivorian winger has carved out a place among La Liga’s most elusive dribblers, sitting seventh in the league chart with 42 successful take-ons through the 2025-26 season.

Operating on Villarreal’s right flank, Pépé has been a constant menace to opposing full-backs, helping the Yellow Submarine hold fourth place in the standings and keep genuine hopes of a Champions League berth alive. Beyond his dribbling numbers, the former Lille star has contributed three goals and five assists in 25 league outings, underlining his influence in the final third.

The ranking itself highlights a blend of established superstars and emerging talent. Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal tops the list with a remarkable 113 successful dribbles, while Real Madrid duo Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé follow closely on 63 and 62 respectively. Athletic Club’s Nico Williams occupies sixth with 47, just ahead of Pépé, while Real Oviedo’s Haissem Hassan, who has Egyptian and Tunisian heritage, is fifth with 50. Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Rațiu and Mallorca’s Jan Virgili share ninth place on 38.

For Pépé, the statistics offer tangible proof of a career renaissance in Spain. After a turbulent period in England, the winger has rediscovered his trademark explosiveness, timing changes of direction to glide past defenders and create space for team-mates. Each successful dribble edges Villarreal closer to the top-four finish that would seal a return to Europe’s premier club competition.

As the season enters its final stretch, every touch Pépé takes will be scrutinised, yet the numbers already speak volumes: he belongs among La Liga’s elite entertainers.