Giovani dos Santos took home Univision's MLS Player of the Year Award at the Premios Univision Deportes (Univision Sports Awards) in Miami on Sunday night, the latest honor from the LA Galaxy striker's first full season in Major League Soccer.
Dos Santos was the most nominated athlete in attendance at the awards show, as he also earned consideration in the Soccer Goal of the Year and Mexican National Team Player of the Year categories.
Billed as the “ultimate award show for US Hispanic sports fans,” the annual event honors athletes across all sports for their passion, athletic excellence and use of sports as an agent for social change. Premios Univision Deportes winners were decided by fans and a committee of sports personalities, including journalists, broadcasters and retired athletes. Some of the other soccer nominees included Lionel Messi and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez.
Dos Santos finished with 14 goals and 12 assists in 28 regular-season appearances for the Galaxy in 2016, becoming one of just two MLS players — along with Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco — to tally both double-digit goals and assists. His Galaxy exploits helped him earn a return to the Mexican national team.
