Mohamed Salah win BBC African Footballer of the Year 2018

Mohamed Salah has been named the BBC African Footballer of the Year 2018.

The Liverpool star beat off strong competition, primarily from team-mate Sadio Mane, to become just the third Egyptian to claim the honour - Mohamed Barakat (2005) and Mohamed Aboutrika (2008) preceded Salah since the award's inception in 2001.

Salah's historic season for Liverpool saw him thrive under Jurgen Klopp, delivering 44 goals in 52 games.

The 26-year-old helped the Reds reached the Champions League final, only to lose to Real Madrid after his unfortunate injury following a clash with Sergio Ramos.

He also inspired his country to the World Cup, their first appearance since 1990.

Salah also beat Medhi Benatia, Kalidou Koulibaly and Thomas Partey from the final shortlist.

More than 650,000 votes were counter by the BBC, a record amount.

Salah revealed his delight at the award and outlined his intention to win it for a second successive season.

"It's a great feeling to win again. I'm happy and I would like to win it also next year!" said Salah.

"There have been many good moments in 2018. The game against Roma at Anfield [Champions League semi-final first leg] was unbelievable.

"I'm scoring goals and helping the team to get the points to be top of the league. That's always a great feeling."

Salah added his goal for 2019 was "to win something with the club so everyone is excited.

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Previous winners

2017: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool and Egypt)

2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City and Algeria)

2015: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)

2014: Yacine Brahimi (Porto and Algeria)

2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Ivory Coast)

2012: Chris Katongo (Henan Construction and Zambia)

2011: Andre Ayew (Marseille and Ghana)

2010: Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland and Ghana)

2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea and Ivory Coast)

2008: Mohamed Aboutrika (Al Ahly and Egypt)

2007: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal and Togo)

2006: Michael Essien (Chelsea and Ghana)

2005: Mohamed Barakat (Al Ahly and Egypt)

2004: Jay-Jay Okocha (Bolton and Nigeria)

2003: Jay-Jay Okocha (Bolton and Nigeria)

2002: El Hadji Diouf (Liverpool and Senegal)

2001: Sammy Kuffour (Bayern Munich and Ghana)