Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s impressive first season in the MLS was enough to see him pip Wayne Rooney for the 2018 Newcomer of the Year award.
The LA Galaxy striker edged out former England captain Rooney in the voting for the prize, which is awarded to the player with previous professional experience to have impressed the most in his first season in the United States.
Ibrahimovic joined Galaxy from Manchester United in March and scored twice on his debut against Los Angeles FC, including a spectacular strike from 40 yards.
The 37-year-old ended the season with 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 appearances, earning 36% of the votes for the award, despite Galaxy missing out on the playoffs.
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
Rooney came second with 32%, having inspired DC United to a post-season place after joining from Everton. Carlos Vela of LAFC came third.
The award is decided by votes from MLS club management, selected media, and current MLS players.
Rooney and Ibrahimovic were earlier named in the MLS Best XI for the season.
Congratulations to this season’s #BestXI. ? pic.twitter.com/nD2qS0uKyY
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 12, 2018
Photo: FourFourTwo