Mohamed Aboutrika started and finished his year as a winner. The Al Ahly and Egypt midfielder is always an influential player on the pitch - and he proved that for both club and country in 2008, writes Matthew Kenyon.
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So often the lynchpin for success, at the Nations Cup in Ghana Aboutrika was joint top scorer for the Pharaohs with four goals to his credit.
One of those goals was the decisive strike in the final against Cameroon which gave Egypt their second successive African title.
It was classic Aboutrika - opportunistic, inspirational and effective.
It was a goal which cemented his place in the hearts of the Egyptian footballing public.
Go anywhere in Egypt and fans will chant his name and children will pretend to be him as they kick a ball around in the dust.
After the triumph in Ghana, Aboutrika and his team mates set about securing a place in the final round of qualifying for 2010 - keeping open the chance of making it to a World Cup for the first time since Italia 90.
But his popularity is not just based on his exploits for the Pharaohs.
His club, Al Ahly, is far and away the most popular team in the country, as well as the most successful in Africa, and he is the fans' favourite player.
His modest, friendly approach to the fanatical fans is welcomed, but it is his performances on the pitch which make them love him.
He is not the team captain but frequently takes charge and was a key figure in Ahly's ascent to a record sixth African club crown against Coton Sport in November.
Add that to the league title and victory in the Egyptian Super Cup and it is clear 2008 has been very good for Mohamed Aboutrika - but it is he who has done most to make it that way.
