The forward of Brazilian Flamengo Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa was chosen this Tuesday for the "King of America" 2019 award granted by the Uruguayan newspaper "El País".
During the season, 'Gabigol' was champion of the Copa Libertadores and the 'Brasileirao', in addition to being the top scorer in both competitions.
In addition, he scored the two goals that gave his team victory in the final of the biggest continental tournament against River Plate, in which Flamengo prevailed 2-1.
'Gabigol', 23, obtained 168 votes out of the possible 372 and with 45% obtained first place in the election ahead of his teammates Bruno Henrique (22%) and Giorgian de Arrascaeta (11%).
The survey, entitled "America Responds to El País," has the participation of 372 journalists from all over the continent and there is currently no date for the award ceremony.
With this result, the forward dethroned Argentine Gonzalo 'Pity' Martínez, who had won the award in 2018.
The forward celebrated on his social networks for the achievement. "What a dream! Happy to be named the new King of America" he posted along with a photograph that exalts him.