The Arsenal star beat off competition from
Chelsea’s Michael Essien and Al Ahly midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika –
dubbed the Egyptian Zinedine Zidane.
Togo hitman Adebayor, 24, was voted the continent's top
player of 2008 in a poll of national team coaches.
He said: "I am very happy and very pleased. "My mum is
here with me. Unfortunately my father is not alive anymore but I
know that wherever he is, he will be very proud of me. 'I would
love to dedicate this to my mum, because without her I cannot be
here."
Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou was named Young
Player of the Year in a category for footballers under the age of
23.
The Blues forward beat off competition from Stade
Rennais midfielder Stephane Mbia and Inter Milan's Victor Obinna
Nsofor.