Chelsea’s N'Golo Kante sees off Kylian Mbappe, wins historic French prestigious award

Chelsea midfielder Ngólo Kante in action at a past match [Photo: Courtesy]

Chelsea star N'Golo Kante has beat off fierce competition from the likes of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe to be named France's French Player of the Year for 2017.

The all-action midfielder, who made it back-to-back Premier League titles in May, received 92 votes to take the crown, awarded by France Football.

That saw him pip PSG phenom Mbappe, the 19-year-old who has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence, by five votes.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, still persona non grata with the national team, came third with 52 votes to his name.

Kante took the prestigious award following a vote among previous winners - including 2016 winner Antoine Griezmann, France boss Didier Deschamps and ex-UEFA president Michel Platini - as well as the magazine's current editor in chief.

Kante will be lining up for Antonio Conte as they face newly promoted side Brighton for the Boxing day fixture.