Egyptian soccer star Mohamed Salah wins Footballer of the Year award

Egyptian soccer sensation Mohamed Salah, 25, has been named the Player of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

Salah, who returned to soccer last year with a £39.5m summer signing from Roma, also received the Player of the Year award by the Professional Footballers' Association this month.

"What a race it has been between two players who, in a relatively short time, have reached genuine world class. But Mo Salah is the worthiest of winners. He is also the first African to receive the award and we congratulate him on a magnificent season," FWA chief Patrick Barclay said.

After his stellar performance since his transfer to Liverpool, Salah scored 43 goals and made 15 assists in 47 matches played at the Premier League club.