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The 35-year-old lead the way for New York City FC from the front, helping his side reach the playoffs for the first time in its history.

The former Barcelona forward claimed just over 25 per cent of the votes from MLS club management, media, and players to win the award, ahead of 2016 Golden Boot-winner Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Villa, who has scored a joint-best 41 goals across the last two regulation seasons in MLS, is the first Spaniard and World Cup-winner ever to claim the prize.