LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has won 2018 MLS Newcomer of the Year the league announced on Monday, honoring Ibrahimovic for his stellar first season in the league.
The 37-year-old arrived in Los Angeles from Manchester United, making his debut within a year of undergoing major knee surgery. He marked that debut with an incredible goal from distance against LAFC then headed in the game-winning goal, helping orchestrate a 3-0 half-time deficit to a 4-3 victory on the road. It was his first two goals of a 22 goal, 10 assist campaign in just 27 appearances (2,143 minutes).
Ibrahimovic scored his 500th career goal earlier this season, in a loss to Toronto FC. That, as well as his first goal of the season, are nominees for AT&T 2018 MLS Goal of the Year. He's the first Galaxy player to win the award, which was first given out in 2007.
The Newcomer of the Year Award recognizes players with previous professional experience, which makes rookies ineligible for consideration. Similarly, players eligible for Newcomer of the Year are ineligible for Rookie of the Year.
The award was voted on by MLS club management, media, and current MLS players. Ibrahimovic finished ahead of D.C. United's Wayne Rooney by the smallest of margins, while LAFC's Carlos Vela finished third. Below is a breakdown of the voting results:
Voting Results
MLS Newcomer of the Year Winners
2018: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – LA Galaxy
2017: Miguel Almiron – Atlanta United
2016: Nicolas Lodeiro – Seattle Sounders FC
2015: Sebastian Giovinco – Toronto FC
2014: Pedro Morales – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
2013: Diego Valeri – Portland Timbers
2012: Federico Higuain – Columbus Crew
2011: Mauro Rosales – Seattle Sounders FC
2010: Alvaro Saborio – Real Salt Lake
2009: Fredy Montero – Seattle Sounders FC
2008: Darren Huckerby – San Jose Earthquakes
2007: Luciano Emilio – D.C. United