Algeria and Leicester City forward, Riyad Mahrez, has been voted BBC African Footballer of the Year.
He saw off competition from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund), André Ayew (Ghana and West Ham United), Sadio Mané (Senegal and Liverpool FC) and Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast and Manchester City).
Mahrez joined Leicester from Le Havre in 2014 for a paltry fee but has gone on to become a driving force in the Foxes’ success.
The 25-year-old scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists as Leicester secured the Premier League title last term.
He has won 27 caps for his country and continues to be a key member of Georges Leekens’s national side.
Mahrez’s exploits for Claudio Ranieri’s side also saw him crowned PFA Player of the Year last season.
“It means a lot because I’m African. It’s something big for an African player. I’m very happy and proud to receive it,” he said after being presented with the award.
“It’s always good to receive awards and it’s a huge honour – I just have to carry on.
“I think they are proud of me [in Algeria]. They should be happy today and I want to thank them and dedicate it to them,” he added
