The 26-year-old forward, who was the top choice from a five-man shortlist in an online vote of supporters, retains the prize he also won a year ago.

Salah becomes the first player since Nigerian Jay-Jay Okocha to win in consecutive years.

“It’s a great feeling to win again. I’m happy and I would like to win it also next year!” said Salah.

Salah finished ahead of Reds teammate Sadio Mane in the poll, as well as Medhi Benatia (Morocco), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) and Thomas Partey (Ghana).

Salah said his aim for 2019 is “to win something with the club so everyone is excited”.

“I try to push myself every day to help the team win something,” he added.

The BBC received more than 650,000 votes this year – a record for the award.

The No.11 enjoyed one of the greatest debut seasons in Liverpool history, scoring 44 goals to help the club reach the Champions League final, and then represented his country at the World Cup.

And his form has continued into the current campaign; his winner against Napoli in Tuesday’s Champions League tie increased his tally for the season to 13 strikes.

Previous winners

2017: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt), 2016: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City & Algeria), 2015: Yaya Toure (Manchester City & Ivory Coast)

2014: Yacine Brahimi (Porto & Algeria), 2013: Yaya Toure (Manchester City & Ivory Coast, 2012: Chris Katongo (Henan Construction & Zambia)
2011: Andre Ayew (Marseille & Ghana), 2010: Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland & Ghana)
2009: Didier Drogba (Chelsea & Ivory Coast), 2008: Mohamed Aboutrika (Al Ahly & Egypt)
2007: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal & Togo), 2006: Michael Essien (Chelsea & Ghana)
2005: Mohamed Barakat (Al Ahly & Egypt), 2004: Jay-Jay Okocha (Bolton & Nigeria), 2003: Jay-Jay Okocha (Bolton & Nigeria)
2002: El Hadji Diouf (Liverpool & Senegal), 2001: Sammy Kuffour (Bayern Munich & Ghana)

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