Valencia’s Sofiane Feghouli has become the first Spanish-based recipient of the Algerian Ballon d’Or award.
The annual prize recognising Algeria’s best performer of the past 12 months was announced on Monday evening and presented to Los Che’s 22-year-old attacking midfielder Feghouli.
The footballer was born in France and represented the French at youth level, but changed allegiance at senior level to represent Algeria, who he is expected to play for in January’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Feghouli was selected from seven shortlisted players for the award and had it presented to him by former Barcelona great Johan Cruyff.
This is the 12th edition of the award and the first to be given to an Algerian when plying his trade in Spain.
