³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

At a star-studded ceremony in Cairo today, Egypt national and Al-Ahly player, Mohamed Aboutrika, received the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ African Footballer of the Year 2008 trophy.

The Egyptian football legend, Mahmoud El-Khatib, handed the award to Aboutrika who had received more than half of the record 155,643 votes from football fans across the world.

The awards ceremony celebrating African football excellence was hosted by ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Arabic television presenter, Mahmoud Morad, and was attended by Egypt's football elite including Aboutrika's Al-Ahly and Egypt national side team-mates and managers.

Aboutrika, who beat African stars such as Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, Amr Zaki and last year's winner, Emmanuel Adebayor, said: "Winning the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ African Footballer of the Year 2008 trophy is an honour for both Egyptian football and my club, Al-Ahly.

"I am proud that thousands of fans cast their votes for me from among the elite of African football – this is a really amazing conclusion to 2008 which was exceptionally successful for myself and my team-mates. It is also a great responsibility to carry this title as it means expectations of my footballing performance are also very high!"

Farayi Mungazi, presenter of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service's African sports programme, Fast Track, which announced the shortlist and the winner of the award, addressed the gathering: "The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ is delighted to be able to present Mohamed Aboutrika with his award as ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ African Footballer of the Year 2008.

"His exploits of the last 12 months kept our listeners and the readers of our website enthralled as Egypt and Al-Ahly swept all before them in the Africa Cup of Nations and the African Champions League.

"He won our public vote by an overwhelming majority, and this award is a fitting tribute to a marvellous year for him. Now he and his colleagues have the chance to take Egypt to the World Cup in South Africa 2010 – and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service will be following that campaign every step of the way."

Speaking at the ceremony, Head of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Arabic, Hosam El Sokkari, said: "The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ has been broadcasting to the Arab world for more than seven decades. Over the years we have endeavoured to reflect excellence and highlight achievements of Arabs in various fields.

"Aboutrika's award comes from ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ audiences across the globe to support our efforts in celebrating talent in the Arab world."

Notes to Editors

Fast Track provides the most comprehensive coverage of African sport on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service. It is broadcast on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays.

The host, Farayi Mungazi, brings to the microphone a deep understanding of sport. With his eye on sport right across the globe, Farayi discusses the issues and asks the questions that every sports fan wants to hear.

For more information and to listen online, go to bbcworldservice.com.

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service Publicity