VICTOR LINDELOF was named Swedish footballer of the year for the first time last night, surprisingly pipping national team captain Andreas Granqvist to the award.
Lindelof, 24, played in four of Sweden’s five matches at this summer’s World Cup as his side reached the quarter-finals.
Victor Lindelof was named Swedish footballer of the year at an awards ceremony last nightGetty - Contributor
Lindelof played in four of Sweden’s World Cup matches this summer as they reached the quarter-finalsAFP or licensors
They were eventually knocked out by Gareth Southgate’s England but Lindelof impressed, keeping clean sheets in the wins of Mexico and Switzerland.
But the panel deciding on the ‘Guldbollen’ this year also cited his performances for club side Manchester United over the course of 2018.
He initially struggled at Old Trafford following his £31million move from Benfica in 2017 but has established himself as a first-team regular in recent weeks.
Lindelof and Chris Smalling have started the last six United games together and although they have not kept a clean sheet, the partnership is certainly strengthening.
By Neil Ashton
JOSE MOURINHO faces the sack if he fails to make the Champions League.
Manchester United are ready to head in a different direction should they miss out on top-table European football.
United sit EIGHTH in the Premier League — a staggering 12 points behind rivals Manchester City after Sunday’s 3-1 derby defeat.
He has been left in no doubt that Champions League football next season is critical to his future.
He has formed a good partnership with Chris Smalling for Manchester United in recent weeks with the pair starting the last six games togetherReuters
The defender said he was “proud and grateful” as he picked up the award for the first timeGetty - Contributor
But the defender was quick to thank his gorgeous wife Maja Nilsson for her support, especially after they got married just before the World Cup.
Upon receiving the award, he said: “It means very much for me to receive the price. I am extremely proud and grateful.
“I want to thank all team-mates in club and national teams, but also my family has always been there in wet and dry.
“I would also like to thank my beautiful wife, who is always there, helping me and supporting me.
Lindelof thanked his gorgeous wife Maja Nilsson for her supportInstagram @majanilssonlindelof
The couple tied the knot in May, just weeks before Sweden kicked-off their World Cup campaignInstagram @majanilssonlindelof
The couple announced they were expecting their first child on Instagram last monthInstagram @majanilssonlindelof
“It means very much for me to stand here and you mean everything to me. Thank you for your help.”
It is the second year in a row that a defender has picked up the award after Granqvist’s success in 2017, ending a ten-year monopoly for legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
And many would have expected the fellow centre-back, 33, to take home the award again yesterday.
Not only did he captain Sweden to the last eight of the World Cup, their best finish for 24 years, but he also scored two crucial goals on the way.
He slotted home a penalty in the 1-0 win over South Korea and repeated the feat again as the Swedes saw off Mexico 3-0 to top Group F.
Lindelof prevented Swedish captain Andreas Granqvist from winning a second award in as many years despite his two goals in RussiaReuters
2000: Magnus Hedman
2001: Patrik Andersson
2002: Fredrik Ljungberg
2003: Olof Mellberg
2004: Henrik Larsson
2005: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2006: Fredrik Ljungberg
2007: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2008: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2009: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2010: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2011: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2012: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2013: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2014: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2015: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2016: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
2017: Andreas Granqvist
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