Africa

Andre Ayew selected as the BBC's African Footballer of the Year

The Marseille winger swept the vote to succeed compatriot Asamoah Gyan as the BBC's African Footballer of the Year

Dec 16, 2011 1:47:00 PM

By Kingsley Kobo

More On : Ghana, Marseille, André Ayew

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Ligue 1 : Andre Ayew (Olympique de Marseille)

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Ghana international Andre Dede Ayew has been named the BBC's African Footballer of the Year for 2011 after he bested Yaya Toure, Gervinho, Samuel Eto’o and Seydou Keita to clinch the award that his father, Abedi Pele Ayew, first won in 1991.

The 21-year-old Marseille winger took a third of the votes from African football fans who nominated their favorites either by text or email.

Voters based their choices on players' skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency and fair play, from a shortlist which was drawn up by football experts from every country in Africa.

Ayew, who distinguished himself during the Black Stars’ World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns in 2010, became a key player with the Phoceens, scoring 11 goals last season for his side.

In this year's campaign, the Ghanaian helped Marseille win the French Super League with a hat trick and has scored six goals so far.

“I'm honored and surprised to receive this prestigious award, especially considering the great players who have won it in the past,” Ayew told the BBC. “I thank all the people who voted for me - in Ghana, in Africa and in the world. I'm going to work hard to show them they made a good choice.”

Ayew becomes the fifth Ghanaian to win the accolade after his father, Sammy Kuffour (2001), Michael Essien (2006) and Asamoah Gyan last year.