The jury noted his “decisive” role in the play-offs a year ago against rivals Denmark that secured a berth for Sweden at the 2016 Euro finals, his contributions for Paris Saint-Germain’s French league title and his recent move to Manchester United.
“An unsurpassed career is awarded an 11th Golden Ball,” it said.
The 35-year-old forward said that he “now had a full team. It feels surreal.”
At the gala it was also disclosed that a statue of Ibrahimovic will be erected next year outside the national football arena.
Ibrahimovic became Sweden’s all-time goalscorer there in 2014. He retired from international football after the Euro finals in June, chalking up 62 goals in 116 appearances.
Ibrahimovic received a small replica of the statue, and said: “The guy from [the Malmo district] Rosengard gets his own statue in the Swedish capital. You usually get one when you pass away, but I feel alive.”
The Manchester star was also named forward of the year.
At the gala in Stockholm’s Globe Arena, Hedvig Lindahl of Chelsea Ladies collected her second Diamond Ball – the award presented to the best women’s player.
Lindahl, 34, was also named goalkeeper of the year.
The juries cited her key role for Sweden at the 2016 Olympic football tournament. Sweden collected silver after losing 2-1 to Germany, but made it to final after edging the United States and host Brazil in penalty shoot-outs.
Source: GNA/NewsGhana.com.gh
