At the International Conference Center in Abuja, Nigeria last night a new King of African Football Stars emerged.
25year-old Riyad Mahrez became the first Algerian to win the gong after his wonderful exploits and football artistry with Leicester City last season in England.
He claimed the Premier League title, PFA Player of the Year and BBC African Footballer of the Year to capped an amazing year for himself.
For African Player of the year based in Africa, it was Uganda goalkeeper Dennis Onyango that won it.
The Mamelodi Sundowns player stood in post as his club won the CAF Champions League for the first time - second time for a South African club - and also helps qualify his country for the Africa Nations Cup in Gabon.
The Women Player of the year was won by Nigeria and Arsenal Ladies striker, Asisat Oshoala.
In recent years, Asisat has shown like a beautiful star that she is with the Super Falcons as well as Arsenal Ladies. She was the top-scorer with six goals at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon where her team won the title for the 8th record time.
Below are other winners on the night.
African Player of the Year
Riyad MAHREZ (Algeria and Leicester City) – 361 votes
Pierre-Emerick AUBAMEYANG (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund) – 313 votes
Sadio MANE (Senegal and Liverpool) – 186 votes
African Player of the Year – Based in Africa
Denis ONYANGO (Uganda and Mamelodi Sundowns) – 252 votes
Khama BILLIAT (Zimbabwe and Mamelodi Sundowns) – 228 votes
Rainford KALABA (Zambia and TP Mazembe) – 206 votes
Women’s Player of the Year
Asisat OSHOALA (Nigeria and Arsenal Ladies)
Most Promising Talent
Kelechi IHEANACHO (Nigeria and Manchester City)
Youth Player of the Year
Alex IWOBI (Nigeria and Arsenal)
Coach of the Year
Pitso MOSIMANE (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Club of the Year
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
National Team of the Year
Cranes of Uganda
Women’s National Team of the Year
Super Falcons of Nigeria
Referee of the Year
Bakary Papa GASSAMA (Gambia)
Football Leader of the Year
Manuel LOPES NASCIMENTO (President of Guinea Bissau Football Federation)
Legend Award
Laurent POKOU - Former player of Cote d’Ivoire
Emilienne MBANGO - Former player of Cameroon
Platinum Award
His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
