Savea got the top award at the World Rugby awards, a day after the All Blacks one point World Cup final loss to South Africa.
He headed off Ireland centre Bundee Aki, France captain Antoine Dupont, and South Africa's Eben Etzebeth for the award.
Four All Blacks made World Rugby's Dream Team of the Year - lock Scott Barrett, Savea, first five Richie Mo'unga, and wing Will Jordan.
All Black wing Mark Tele'a picked up the Breakthrough Player of the Year award.