Mali striker Frederic Kanoute has been named African Player of the Year for 2007.
The Sevilla star beat Chelsea duo Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast and Ghana's Michael Essien to become the first European-born player to win the accolade.
Kanoute's goals not only helped his country qualify for the African Nations Cup, but saw Sevilla claim the UEFA Cup and Copa del Rey glory.
'I dedicate this to my family, who could not be here, and to the people of Mali,' said Kanoute.
'I believe that sport can be used as a tool for development in Africa.'
Mali were knocked out of the African Nations Cup in Ghana this week.
