PARIS (AP) — Congolese forward Chancel Mbemba was named the French league’s African Player of the Year Tuesday, the first time the award has been given to a defender.
The Marseillais won the Marc-Vivien Foe award ahead of last year’s winner, Ivorian midfielder Seko Fofana (Lens), and Nigerian striker Terem Moffi (Nice).
Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbemba moved to Europe at the age of 17 to Belgian club Anderlecht. He also played for Newcastle and Porto before joining Marseille last summer, the 1993 European champions to third place in the French Championship this season.
In addition to his defensive role, the 28-year-old Mbemba has scored goals in 35 league games this season.
More than a hundred African players have played in the French league this season.
Players who have played for an African national team and played at least 15 high-level matches in France in the last season are eligible for the award. The prize is awarded through a jury of French and African football hounds.
Foe, a two-time African champion, collapsed and died in a semifinal match of the Confederations Cup in France 2003 while playing for Cameroon.
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