The nominees were Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Yaya Toure and Tresor Mabi Mputu.

There was no place for any Egyptian in this year's list after Amr Zaki and Mohamed Abou-Treika were named last year, with the latter scooping the award.

Eto'o, Drogba, Essien and Toure have all enjoyed magnificent seasons with their clubs, as well as leading their respective countries to the World Cup.

DR Congo striker Mputu on the other hand, led TP Mazembe to winning the CAF Champions League title by scoring six goals.