Atlanta United’s Giorgos Giakoumakis was named MLS Newcomer of the Year, beating out fellow finalists Lionel Messi and Eduard Lowen.
Atlanta United’s iconic 2023 recruit from Celtic, Giakoumakis had an excellent season with the Five Stripes, and he was rewarded for his performances. The voters, who are made up of three sections: accredited media, active players and MLS coaches, technical directors and general managers, all submitted their ballots in October, and it was the 28-year-old who received the highest number of votes in its respective category.
Thanks to Giakoumakis, Atlanta United becomes the first organization to win this award two years in a row. Atlanta United is also tied with the Seattle Sounders as the second club to have three players awarded, with former Atlanta star Miguel Almiron being recognized in 2019.
The Greek international deserved his victory after a thrilling season in which he finished tied for second place in goals scored during the regular season, with a total of 17. When the finalists were announced, Messi’s name on the list of three chosen ones sparked the consternation of many voters, who questioned on social media why the Argentinian – who only appeared in six matches in the regular season – had progressed in the voting process.
Messi shone with the Herons in the Leagues Cup and US Open Cup, but the voting process for the award only takes into account players’ performances throughout the regular season. Giakoumakis is clearly ahead of Messi and narrowly ahead of CITY player Lowen, whose arguments are valid, but not as much as those of the Atlanta striker.
