The 27-year-old scored 32 goals in 53 appearances for Liverpool during the calendar year as well as sharing the Premier League Golden Boot (with Salah), being named in the PFA Team of the Year and, of course, playing a key role in helping Jurgen Klopp 's men win the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Mane also helped Senegal reach the final of the African Nations Cup where they lost 1-0 to Algeria.
Accepting his award, a typically humble Mane said: "To be honest, I would rather be playing football than having to speak in front of all these important people because football is my job and I love it.
"I am really happy and at the same time really proud to win this award.
"I would like to thank my family, especially my uncle who is here today, without forgetting all the Egyptian people as well and of course my national team coach, (former Birmingham City and Portsmouth midfielder) Aliou Cisse, my team mates with the national team and the staff at the Federation.
"I also thank Liverpool Football Club, my team mates, the staff and everybody there.
"It is a big day for me.. I don't really know how to say it but I would love to thank all the Senegalese people. They have been with me all the time and they push me to do better.
"Also the people from my village. I have come very far, Bambali is a very small village and I am sure they are watching on the tv.
"I am really happy and very proud to win this."
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