Real Madrid defender David Alaba (30 years old) has been once again voted footballer of the year in his native Austria. It is the third time in a row that the Austrian defender has won this award, although throughout his career he has won it nine times since 2011. This award was given to the best player in the Austrian First Division from 1984, but since 2011 it has been opened to the best Austrian player of the season. The choice is made by the league’s coaches and is organised by the APA, the press agency of the country.

In the vote by the 12 Austrian Bundesliga coaches, the Real Madrid defender easily defeated Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic (winner of 2018). The Madridista received 58 points, while his compatriot received just 16. They were followed by defender Gernot Trauner (Feyenoord) and midfielder Konrad Laimer (RB Leipzig). They both scored seven.

“I am very happy and this is very important to me. It is a great award, which makes me feel proud and grateful because it is a great honor for me. I am aware that it has been a special year and it makes me happy that hard work has also been recognized in my country", he said in statements to the APA agency.