Algerian star, Riyad Mahrez, has been voted as the 2016 BBC African Footballer of the Year by fans from across the world.

He beat Liverpool’s Saido Mane to the award after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Yaya Toure and Andre Ayew had been eliminated.

Mahrez who presently plays with Nigeria international, Ahmed Musa, at Leicester City said he was very pleased to be the lucky winner for 2016.

“It means a lot, obviously I’m African, it’s big for an African player and I’m very pleased to win it.

“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.”

A delighted Leicester boss 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 every day. I speak about his sacrifice for the team as we have to work together.”

Mahrez has also been shortlisted for the CAF African Footballer of the Year Award.