The Egyptian international comfortably beat off competition from compatriot Amr Zaki, Emmanuel Adebayor, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o.

He took more than half of the total ballot to claim the award, which is decided by football fans around the world.

"2008 was a tremendous year," Abou-Treika told the BBC's African sports program Fast Track.

"It was an opportunity for me and my team-mates to be a showcase for Egyptian football, across the world."

Abou-Treika has been also included in CAF's three-man shortlist for its 2008 Player of the Year award.

The 30-year-old had a year to remember.

He played a pivotal role in helping Egypt claim a record-breaking sixth Nations Cup by scoring four goals.

Abou-Treika notched the winner in the Pharaohs' 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the tournament's finale.

On the club level, the former Tersana man led Ahli to a fourth successive Egyptian League title and a record sixth Champions League triumph.

Abou-Treika is the second Egyptian to win the BBC award after his Ahli teammate Mohamed Barakat, who won it in 2005.