The winner of the Austrian Sportsman of the Year has been announced. In the poll conducted, Bayern Munich full back David Alaba was named the top athlete in Austria for 2013.

David Alaba is the first footballer to receive the prestigious award since former Cologne hero Toni Polster scooped the prize in 1997.

Speaking to the official website of Bayern Munich, fcbayern.de  before the winner was announced, the 21 - year - old said: “It’s not an easy award to win as a footballer. The last footballing winner was Toni Polster in 1997.

“The competition are all big names. It’s a huge honour just to be mentioned in such elite company.”

The Austria international was chosen ahead of downhill skier Marcel Hirscher, ski jumper Gregor Schlierenzauer, golfer Bernd Wiesberger, and race cyclist Riccardo Zoidl by journalists.

Photo Credit : uefa.com