Deki wins Sweden's prestigious Guldbollen award for second year running

Dejan Kulusevski has been awarded the 2023 Guldbollen (Golden Ball), the prize for Sweden’s best male player, for the second year running.

Presented by national newspaper Aftonbladet and the Swedish Football Association (SVFF), the prestigious award is handed out at the end of each calendar year.

The youngest recipient of the trophy since Tomas Brolin in 1990 when he won in 2022, Deki is now only the second player to claim back-to-back awards, following in the footsteps of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Victor Lindelof. Deki also won 'Midfielder of the Year' at the annual awards.

🏆 Dejan Kulusevski tilldelas 𝐆𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑! 👏

Dejan vinner Guldbollen för andra året i rad - stort grattis! ✨

— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) January 4, 2024

The SVFF wrote on their official website... Dejan Kulusevski receives the Golden Ball for his efforts in the national team and in the club team, Tottenham. With conviction, intelligence and drive, he has continued his development and strengthened his importance in one of the world's toughest leagues.

After a tough second half of 2022/23, the versatile forward has flourished under Ange Postecoglou this season, where he's played both on the right and in the central '10' position. He has five goals and two assists in his 19 games in the Premier League, including a thrilling late winner against Sheffield United and another dramatic late goal to secure a 3-3 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad.

Still only 23, Deki is already up to 35 caps for Sweden, scoring three goals.

Congratulations, Deki!