CAIRO: Al Ahly playmaker Mohamed Abou Treika revealed his delight for being in the lead in the World s Most Popular footballers in 2007 poll conducted by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

I am grateful for all the fans and supporters who voted for me, the 29-year old midfielder told FilGoal.com

Being in the lead in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East is something and being the World s number one is another. I can t express my feelings.

The IFFHS has issued intermediate results on Monday and Abou Treika earned 700,230 votes.

The voting will end on Jan. 3, 2008.