Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah was declared BBC's African Footballer of the Year for 2017 on Monday, BBC Sport reported.  

"Following a record number of votes, the Liverpool star won ahead of Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Guinean Naby Keita, Sadio Mane of Senegal and Nigeria's Victor Moses," the British publication wrote

Salah, who's the most expensive player in Liverpool's history, is now the third Egyptian player to win the award. 

He joins the ranks of football legends who previously received the title, including "Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) and Michael Essien (Ghana)."

In an interview with BBC Sport, the 25-year-old star said

"It's always a special feeling when you win something. I feel like I had a great year, so I'm very happy." 

2017 has shaped up to be an incredible year for Salah, who is now seen as a football legend in Egypt and across the Arab world. 

Earlier this year, the talented player was celebrated by millions after he scored a stoppage-time penalty goal against Congo, leading Egypt to qualify for their first World Cup since 1990. 

"Very proud to have won this prestigious award"

Salah announced his latest achievement to his 3.62 million Twitter followers early on Tuesday. 

In a tweet he posted on the platform, the successful footballer wrote: 

"Very proud to have won this prestigious award for best African player, and joining the ranks of many great players who won it before me."

People are thrilled for Salah

His colleagues are too

Fans are super excited about this...

"You deserve it... ya ta3miyya"

"The greatest of all time"

"Mabrook ya 3azeem"