Atiba Hutchinson has been voted Canada Soccer’s male player of the year.
The 33-year-old midfielder helped Besiktas JK to its first Turkish Sper Lig title in seven years and to qualification for the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League campaign.
"Once again, this honour confirms Atiba Hutchinson as one of the most accomplished players Canada has ever produced," interim coach Michael Findlay said in a statement released Friday. "On behalf of the entire Canadian soccer family, we extend our congratulations to Atiba."
Hutchinson is the first Canadian men’s national team player to win the award five teams, surpassing four-time winner Dwayne De Rosario.
"For me to win it the first time was something very special," Hutchinson told Canadian media by conference call. "The 5th time was just as special as the first, maybe a little bit more because I am the only one to have done it now. The other player that won it four times, Dwayne De Rosario, he was a very talented player. I played alongside him and I learned a lot from him as a young player growing up. I have nothing but respect for him, so I would like to say thanks to Dwayne."
Other players shortlisted for the award included Cyle Larin, Milan Borjan, Patrice Bernier, Jonathan Osorio, and Junior Hoilett.