Senegal star Pape Bouba Diop has been named his country's top footballer for 2002.

The Senegalese Sports Writers' Association (ANPS) said Diop totalled 97 votes out of a possible 105, and was awarded top place by 18 of the 21 media organisations that voted.

Monaco goalkeeper Tony Sylva came second with 25 votes, while El Hadji Diouf, the current African footballer of the year, surprisingly finished third.

Diop polled more votes than all the other candidates combined.

He has been rewarded for a year in which he became a key player in both the Senegal and Lens teams.

Diouf surprisingly placed third

Diop won a starting role for the Lions as they advanced to the Nations' Cup final in January.

He took his rich streak of form into the World Cup finals, scoring three goals, including the winner against France.

Diop has subsequently shone for Lens in the French Championnat and the European Champions' League.

The imposing midfielder is currently sidelined by injury and will undergo surgery for a stomach muscle problem.