Munich, July 24: Former Germany and Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has been named as the German Footballer of the Year 2016-17.

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The poll was held by Germany's popular news group 'Kicker' this year for the first time and the results were declared after voting by journalists from all over Germany.

The contestants eligible for the honour were the players who played in the Bundesliga as well as German's playing abroad in the 2016-17 season.

Almost 900 sports journalists took part in the voting where Lahm came out on top after receiving 242 votes, whereas Real Madrid's Toni Kroos (192) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (120) of Borussia Dortmund came second and third respectively.

"It's a real honour and I'm truly pleased with it. I think the journalists in the vote have watched me for my entire career," Lahm said.

"History shows that it is incredibly tough for a defender to be named Footballer of the Year because over the course of a year there is normally always a forward who steals the headlines up front."

The 33-year old retired from football this season after glorious 15 year long career at Bayern where he won eight Bundesliga titles and a solitary Champions League.

Lahm also won the FIFA World Cup in 2014 with Germany, which was his last apperance in the toutnament for his country.

This is the first time in his footballing career that the German defender has bagged the Footballer of the year honour. Previously, he came close to this award twice in 2004 and 2006 where he finished second and third on the list respectively.

The contest also included an award for best German manager, and Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann won the honour after being named coach of the year.

Naglesmann led his club to a fourth place finish last season, qualifying for the Champions League. He claimed the honour by beating Freiburg manager Christian Streich.

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