Who else? Ibrahimovic named 2018 MLS Newcomer of the Year
LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who managed 22 goals and 10 assists in his first MLS season, edged out former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney and LAFC's Carlos Vela to win the 2018 Newcomer of the Year award.
Congrats to @LAGalaxy forward @Ibra_official, the 2018 Newcomer of the Year! 👏 pic.twitter.com/oRMMVC9Zml
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 12, 2018
Minnesota United forward Darwin Quintero, New York Red Bulls winger Kaku, LAFC striker Diego Rossi, and Sporting KC's wide man Johnny Russell were also finalists for the honor.
Only first-time MLS players with previous professional experience qualify, leaving rookies out of the running for the annual prize.
Ibrahimovic announced himself to the league in his first match with the Galaxy, scoring twice off the bench - including a brazen equalizer from distance - against rivals LAFC.
He then joined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only active players to eclipse 500 goals for club and country on Sept. 15, roundhousing the ball into the back of Toronto FC's net for another stupendous strike.
Ibra scored his 500th career goal (club & country) in the most Ibra way possible, too. pic.twitter.com/wYvSy16puf
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 12, 2018
Despite his run of form, Ibrahimovic was unable to lift the defensively lax Galaxy to the playoffs.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan star is also in the running for the MLS MVP award.
HEADLINES
- Latest transfer news and rumors: Barca ponder Dumfries deal
- Luna lifts USMNT into Gold Cup final vs. Mexico
- Zlatan defends Messi after CWC exit: He plays with 'statues' at Inter Miami
- Toronto FC part ways with Insigne and Bernardeschi
- Giroud admits he didn't 'fit' at LAFC, says he's excited about return to France