Riyad Mahrez Named Algerian Footballer of the Year

- Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez wins Algerian Ballon D’or for 2015
- Foxes winger received trophy at ceremony in Algiers on Sunday night
- Mahrez registered eighth assist of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Stoke City
Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez saw a remarkable 2015 richly rewarded on Sunday night when he was crowned Algerian Footballer of the Year.
After playing a starring role in City’s 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Stoke City on Saturday, the Foxes magician made a brief trip to the Algerian capital Algiers to collect the award at a ceremony attended by numerous sporting personalities and VIPs.
The Algerian Ballon D’or, now in its 15th year, is voted for by captains, coaches and presidents of all Algerian first division clubs, along with national team manager Christian Gourcuff, national team captain Carl Medjani and members of the Algerian media.
Riyad, 24, said he was honoured to win the award and paid tribute to his family, especially his mother, before admitting he still has much work to do as a developing young player.
Since joining Leicester in January 2014, Mahrez has made 75 appearances for the Foxes, scoring 21 goals. He broke into the Algerian national team soon after arriving in England and has become a regular fixture in the Algeria squad since.
After finishing his debut Premier League season strongly in 2014/15, helping City pull off a remarkable escape from relegation, the former Le Havre schemer has become one of the most feared attacking players in Europe this term.
His assist for Leonardo Ulloa in Saturday’s win over Stoke was his eighth this season, while only three players have scored more than the 13 he has registered in the Premier League this term.