Leicester City forward, Riyad Mahrez has been announced as the BBC African footballer of the year beating the likes of Saido Manè, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Yaya Toure and Andre Ayew.
The 25-year old who was named PFA Player of the Year was influential in Leicester City’s phenomenal form which led to them lifting the Premier League crown last season.
Fans from across the world voted for the Algeria and Leicester midfielder ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure.
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.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieiri was in attendance as Mahrez received his award and paid tribute to the winger.
"I want to see him continue as a fantastic player," the Italian told BBC Sport. " It's very important for us, for the team. He is improving every day.
"I don't speak about his quality. I speak about his sacrifice, he has fought for the team because it's very important for us to be together."
In May, Mahrez became the first African to be voted the best player in the league by his fellow professionals, only two years after he had joined Leicester from Le Havre for £400,000.
Mahrez has made a remarkable rise from playing street football as a youngster to shining in the company of some of the world's best footballers.
In 2016 he proved he can thrive at the highest level, scoring four goals in his first five games in the Champions League.
He has also excelled on the international stage. In five matches for Algeria he scored two goals and provided five assists, and helped them qualify for next month's Africa Cup of Nations.
His achievements have also been recognised by football's world governing body Fifa, who included him on its shortlist for Player of the Year - the only African among the 23 names.
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.
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