Alisson Becker was named the Best men’s Goalkeeper at the 2019 Ballon d'Or award ceremony with the Liverpool custodian also becoming the first-ever goalkeeper to win The Yachine Trophy. Alisson, who moved to Liverpool in 2018, beat Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Manchester City's Ederson Moraes to lift the prestigious trophy. Germany’s Ter Stegen came second, while Ederson complete the top three. Alisson played a crucial role in his debut season in the English Premier League (EPL) helping Liverpool finish second to eventual league champions Manchester City with a club and league record 97 points. Liverpool came only one behind champions City in the league title race. The league heartbreak somewhat melted with the Champions League triumph. Ballon d’Or 2019 Awards: Lionel Messi Wins Record Sixth Ballon d’Or Trophy, Beats Virgil Van Dijk, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 27-year-old Brazilian was crucial in the Reds’ successful 2018-19 season. In the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur, Alisson kept a clean-sheet as Liverpool ran-out 2-0 winners to lift their sixth European crown and first in 13 years. He was also instrumental in Liverpool’s record-breaking league run keeping as many as 21 clean-sheets in 38 appearances – the first-ever goalkeeper to do so in his debut season in the Premier League. He was awarded the Golden Gloves for his incredible feat.

Alisson Becker Yashin Trophy Winner

World's Best Goalkeeper Speaks

A Year, A Season and A Wall

His commanding presence between the posts saw Liverpool shipping only 22 goals in 38 league matches and helped them reach a record 97 points in the Premier League where they finished second to Messi. It’s a great honour to be here with those great players, men and women,” said Alisson after receiving the award.

Well Done AB!!

“I just want to thank my family, my wife, who supports me everywhere I go. To my parents, they are in Brazil – I think watching me! And to God. It is a great honour he is giving me in 2019, winning the Champions League and winning some individual awards. I don’t feel lucky, I feel blessed and grateful. I also want to say thank you to my teammates, to all the Liverpool staff. Thank you very much.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 03, 2019 03:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).