Mane was announced as the winner at an awards ceremony in Egypt on Tuesday with votes coming from coaches and captains of all 54 African national teams.
Mane saw off competition from Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah, who has won the award for the last two years and Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, who won it in 2016.
This is the first time Mane has won the award after finishing in the top three for the last three years, and he becomes the first Senegalese since El-Hadji Diouf in 2002 to be crowned Africa’s best.
Mane had an outstanding 2019, helping Liverpool win their sixth UEFA Champions League while also adding the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup before the year ended.
The 27-year-old helped Senegal to the final of the African Cup of Nations in July, but lost out to Algeria.
The former Southampton forward also finished as the joint top scorer in the Premier League last season with 22 goals alongside Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
“To be honest I would prefer to be playing football than speaking in front of so many people,” said Mané after receiving his honour.
“I’m really happy and really proud at the same time. I would like to thank my family, especially my Uncle who is here today. It is a big day for me and I would love to thank all the Senegalese people who have been voting for me. I’m from a very small village called Bambali and I’m sure they are all watching me tonight.”
