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News, Blog and GuidesThe young Argentine won MLS Young Player of the Year award with a landslide victory following his consistently strong performances during the 2023 season.
Joe Brennanj4brennanUpdate: Nov 6th, 2023 10:52 EST
Thiago Almada has been named MLS Young Player of the Year for the 2023 season, with the Atlanta United midfielder impressing all season long as his side finished 6th in the Eastern Conference regular season.
He becomes the second player from the team to win an award for the season after Georgios Giakoumakis beat Lionel Messi to the Newcomer of the Year.
The 22-year-old Argentine played 30 games for the side in 2023, scoring 11 goals and getting 19 assists in his second season in MLS. After his debut campaign in MLS, Almada won the Newcomer of the Year award as he got 6 goals and 12 assists following a $16 million transfer from Velez Sarsfield.
What a year it's been for club & country. 🇦🇷22-year-old Thiago Almada is the 2023 MLS Young Player of the Year! pic.twitter.com/Nzwg5MZI2z
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 6, 2023
Almada gets landslide victory in voting results
Thiago Almada won the vote which was spread between current players, club technical staff and various members of the media, with the Argentine receiving over half of the total number of votes.
| Player (team) | Player vote | Club vote | Media vote | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) | 52.17% | 53.85% | 73.99% | 60% |
| Duncan McGuire (Orlando City) | 8.07% | 15.38% | 8.67% | 10.71% |
| Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew) | 5.59% | 12.82% | 2.31% | 6.91% |
MLS:
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The Atlanta United playmaker picked up two bookings on Decision Day and missed their MLS Cup Playoffs opener against Columbus Crew.Brett DavisUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Who is eligible for the MLS Young Player of the Year award?
The Young Player of the Year award is given to the top player in MLS aged 22 and under. Players born on, or before, January 1, 2001 were eligible for selection for the prize that was eventually given to the man from Buenos Aires.
