91Èȱ¬

Chelsea's Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has been named the 91Èȱ¬ African Footballer of the Year today, after votes from football fans across the world landed him the title.

The results were announced live from Angola on 91Èȱ¬ World Service's flagship sports programme for Africa, Fast Track.

The announcement ends a search that began on 2 November 2009. Football experts from each of the 52 countries in Africa selected the shortlist for this year's competition, before fans were given the chance to select their favourite online at the 91Èȱ¬ African Footballer of the Year website or via text message.

Didier Drogba's Chelsea team mate Michael Essien, of Ghana, also featured on the list, alongside Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon), Barcelona's Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast) and Tresor Mputu Mabi of TP Mazembe (Democratic Republic of Congo).

The experts marked players on a range of criteria when making their nominations. Individual skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency, impact on results and fair play were all taken into account. Public voting began on 30 November and closed on 4 January 2010.

Director of 91Èȱ¬ World Service, Peter Horrocks, was in Angola for the announcement of the winner of the 91Èȱ¬ African Footballer of the Year 2009.

Speaking about the award, he said: "The 91Èȱ¬ is delighted to present Didier Drogba with his award as 91Èȱ¬ African Footballer of the Year 2009.

"His impressive displays for club and country over the last 12 months have entertained and, at times, astounded our listeners, as well as visitors to our website, while his humanitarian work has also won him great praise away from the pitch.

"This award is voted for by the public, so it also shows the high regard in which he is held by fans across the world.

"Now he and his Ivory Coast team mates have the chance to impress on the highest stage at the World Cup in South Africa 2010 – and 91Èȱ¬ World Service will be following their progress in this landmark event for African football."

Last year's winner was Al-Ahly and Egypt midfielder, Mohamed Aboutrika, who received the award in Cairo.

Previous winners have included Emmanuel Adebayor, Michael Essien, Jay-Jay Okocha, Samuel Kuffour, Nwankwo Kanu and George Weah.

91Èȱ¬ World Service Publicity