Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez has won the BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2016.

The 25-year-old, who played a crucial part in club’s remarkable Premier League title success last season, fended off competition from Sadio Mane, Andre Ayew, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Yaya Toure to win the award.

You, yes you, the fans, have spoken and here’s your chosen #bbcafoty; Riyad Mahrez! ? pic.twitter.com/OrAkn2boBW

— BBC Africa (@BBCAfrica) December 12, 2016

Although this season hasn’t been quite so impressive for the Algeria international, he surely deserves the prize for the outstanding performances in last campaign.

He is also efficient in front of goal and has won the PFA player of the year at the end of last season, scoring 17 goals and created 67 chances for the Foxes – which led to him being linked to heavyweights clubs across Europe.

However, he opted to remain at King Power Stadium, and, despite the club’s indifferent league form, Mahrez has helped his side to reach the Last 16 stage of the Champions League.