Zlatan Ibrahimovic who took a transfer to Major Soccer League earlier this year from Manchester United is having a ball of a time at LA Galaxy. On Monday, the Swedish player was named the Newcomer of the Year award and went on to win in a balloting of MLS coaches and players plus a media panel with an average of 36.36%. He went on to defeat England Wayne Rooney who gathered 32.25% votes. Mexico's Carlos Vela of Los Angeles FC was on number three with 13.47% votes. Zlatan Ibrahimović Joins Ronaldo, Messi League With 500th Goal; David Beckham TROLLS Him Over Congratulatory Messages (Watch Video).

The former United player has netted 22 goals and made 10 assists in 27 appearances. Whereas, Rooney in 21 appearances has scored 12 goals. Despite this, LA Galaxy missed out on making it to the MLS playoffs as they finished seventh in the Western Conference, one point behind Real Salt Lake. The official account of MLS shared the news on Twitter and congratulated the LA Galaxy striker. “Congrats to @LAGalaxy forward @Ibra_official, the 2018 Newcomer of the Year! 👏.”

Zlatan’s club LA Galaxy also congratulated the footballer. “Gave them Zlatan. @Ibra_official is @MLS Newcomer of the Year,” read the tweet.

Not very long ago did Ibra score the 500th goal of his career. With this, he joined the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His 500th goal came against Toronto FC and after achieving the landmark goal he took to social media to thank his fans. “Thank you @Malmo_FF @AFCAjax @juventusfc @Inter @FCBarcelona @acmilan @PSG_English @ManUtd @LAGalaxy #Swedennationalteam,” he wrote back then.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 13, 2018 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).