Algeria and Leicester City player Riyad Mahrez has been crowned the BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2016.
Mahrez who was voted for by fans around the world, beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure to the prize.
After receiving the award, Mahrez said: “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 a remarkable year for Mahrez, who won the Premier League title with Leicester and was voted Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.
Mahrez who was voted for by fans around the world, beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure to the prize.
After receiving the award, Mahrez said: “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 a remarkable year for Mahrez, who won the Premier League title with Leicester and was voted Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.
