Mike Fondop has described winning Vanarama League award the 'Van-on d'Or' as "a real privilege".

The Oldham Athletic striker topped a shortlist of 13 players from the division to earn the prize, which aims to recognise the best player in the Vanarama National League for the calendar year and was first won by Wrexham's prolific striker Paul Mullin in 2022.

A panel of experts helped to compile this year's shortlist, which included Altrincham's Regan Linney, Barnet's Nicke Kabama, AFC Fylde's Nick Haughton.

Cameroonian Fondop was recognised for not only being Latics' current top scorer this season with nine but also for last season's contributions, with all of his 10 goals last season came from late November onwards.

Fondop topped the charts with 41 per cent of the 600-plus votes cast to become only the second player to lift the gong.

And while it may not put him on the same footing as Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have largely shared football's most prestigious individual trophy over the last couple of decades, Fondop explained exactly what the award means to him.

"I always said to my friends when I was growing up 'I want to win the Ballon d'Or," he said.

"Life has taken me through a different trajectory. This isn't the Ballon d'Or but it means a lot because it's closer to a dream I've always had.

"It's an award, not matter what award it's always important and it shows the hard work and the invisible work that you put in it gets rewarded. It definitely means a lot to me.

"A big thank you to all the fans that voted for me, I appreciate the love and support that I received during the voting.

"To win this award against some fantastic players is a real honour and one that I am thrilled to receive."

Fondop added: "It's a testament to how hard I have worked not just this season, but throughout my life.

"I'm a person that never gives up and this award is all thanks to God, he has allowed me to be in this position to receive such achievements.

"I'm grateful and thankful to have won the second ever Van on d'Or.

"It's a real privilege to receive this award and I am very humbled."

Fondop has led the line for Latics this season, and had been an ever present in the National League this term up until Saturday's goalless draw at Barnet, as a hamstring injury forced him to miss out.