Riyad Mahrez has told France Football he feels humbled by his "incredible" rise to become a Premier League winner with Leicester City and claim a place in the Ballon d'Or top 10.
Mahrez, 25, came seventh in the 2016 poll for football's most prestigious individual prize, finishing just ahead of Foxes teammate Jamie Vardy, with real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo emerging as the winner.
He polled more votes than Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba and was also ahead of Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski and Manchester City stars Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne.
Three years ago to the day on which the Ballon d'Or results were announced, Mahrez had been preparing for a French second division game at Troyes with Le Havre.
"I'm very touched," the Algeria international, also named as the BBC's African Footballer of the Year, said. "For every footballer, to finish in the top ten of the Ballon d'Or is a dream.
"Moreover, I'm seventh. I'm in a great place just behind some fantastic players.
Proud to finish 7th in this years ballon d'or nominations thank you everyone �� pic.twitter.com/RoANi1QwXu
- Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) December 12, 2016
"Above all, it makes me feel humble. It's the sense of where I have come from since the start of my career. When I was at Le Havre, I was always sure of myself. I knew I'd make it.
"But from there to be seventh in the Ballon d'Or 2016 in three seasons just behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar... it's something very big, incredible."
He said he felt the result showed that "my work has paid off," but added: "I have to continue. It's not an end in itself. It's a reward, and I have to confirm that with my performances.
"To be in the list is a sign of consistency at a very high level."
Mahrez won the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 17 goals and 11 assists he contributed in 36 Premier League appearances for Leicester last season.
Although he has struggled to scale those heights this term, he scored four goals and provided one assist in five Champions League games as Leicester strode into the knockout stages.
"You need a good Champions League and to be decisive on the pitch," Mahrez said.
"The way forward is also stats -- to make passes, score important goals for your club. That's what you're judged on."