Leicester City and Algeria international, Riyad Mahrez has won the BBC African footballer for the year 2016.
He achieved this by defeating Liverpool and Senegal player, Sadio Mane in a final shortlist of two players. Other contestants before the final shortlist had the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Manchester City and newly retired Cote d’ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure and Dede Ayew of West Ham and Ghana vying for the yearly award.
The elated midfielder said “It means a lot, obviously I’m African, it’s big for an African player and I’m very pleased to win it.
Congratulations @Mahrez22 – the 2016 BBC African Footballer of the Year https://t.co/kIS0TNbMOg #BBCAFOTY pic.twitter.com/GspmnY0eqv
— BBC World Service (@bbcworldservice) December 12, 2016
“It’s always good to receive an award and as an African player it’s a huge honour.”
On why he won: “Maybe because I won the league and we had a very good season.
“I think Algerians are proud of me, I’m from Africa and they are very proud of me and I want to thank them and all my family.
“All the fans, thank you very much, I’m very pleased to receive this.”
His happy club coach, Claudio Ranieri said “It is fantastic, he had a fantastic season and I’m sure he’ll want to continue and have another fantastic season.
“I want him to continue, he’s a fantastic player for us and the team and he’s improving everyday. I speak about his sacrifice for the team as we have to work together.”
