Riyad Mahrez is crowned BBC African Footballer of The Year

Algerian soccer star, Riyad Mahrez has been crowned BBC Footballer Of The Year. The player who played a huge role in Leicester City’s fairytale title winning campaign last season beat off competition from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure to scoop the award.

Winger Mahrez, 25, told BBC Sport: “It means a lot, it’s something big for African players so I am very happy, I am very proud.

“It’s always good to receive awards and for African players it’s a huge honour. To all the fans, thank you very much.”

He added: “Also I want to thank the Algeria fans and dedicate this to them as well and for my family.

“I just have to carry on and keep going with my football and see what I can do.”

The award caps an exceptional year for Mahrez, who had already won the English Premier League Title and was voted Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year, the first African player to win the award. He also finished 7th on the Balon d’or list and is the only African on FIFA’s 23-man list for Player Of The Year.

Mahrez now joins a list of greats, including Abedi Pele, George Weah, Jay-Jay Okocha and Didier Drogba, to have won the BBC African Footballer of the year award.