Algeria forward the only African in the FIFA's player of the year award

Algeria international Riyad Mahrez is the only African player in the shortlist for the FIFA’s Player of the Year award.

After ending their association with Ballon d’Or, FIFA on Friday, December 4 revealed their shortlist for their Player of the Year.

Algerian midfielder Mahrez who led Leicester City to a shocking Premier League win last season is the only African player in the shortlist.

Cristiano Ronaldo-who is favorite after winning European titles with Real Madrid and Portugal-has also been nominated.

Ronaldo is joined by Real Madrid teammates, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.

Lionel Messi is also on the shortlist alongside his Barcelona teammates Neymar, Luis Suarez and Andres Inietsa.

The Premier League is represented by Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, Jamie Vardy of Leicester City, N'Golo Kante of Chelsea (formely of Leicester City) Sergio AgueroKevin De Bruyne, both of Manchester City, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic of United and West Ham star Dimitri Payet.

A three-man shortlist will be confirmed in December before the winner is announced at the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony on January 9, 2017 in Zurich.