Atlanta's Martinez named 2018 MLS MVP after record-breaking season

Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez has won the 2018 Landon Donovan MVP Award, edging out finalists Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Vela, and teammate Miguel Almiron for the honor.

Martinez's prize caps off an incredible year for the Venezuelan in which he scored 31 goals during the regular season. He then potted another three during the playoffs, with the chance to add to his postseason tally in Saturday's MLS Cup final against the Portland Timbers.

According to Sports Illustrated's Avi Creditor, Martinez received an overwhelming 47.93 percent of the votes. Almiron finished second with 15.03 percent, and Ibrahimovic collected 11.6 percent to round out the podium.

Martinez joined Atlanta from Serie A side Torino ahead of the franchise's inaugural season in 2017. He scored 19 goals in his debut campaign, though the 25-year-old was limited to playing in 20 of 34 games because of a left quad injury and foot contusion.