The 23-year-old former Marseille man, who was not part of Les Bleus' shambolic 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, topped the voting with 99.5 points from Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda (90) and Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (83).

Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff won the prestigious award last year, with Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery having taken the accolade in 2007 and 2008.