Carles Gil named Major League Soccer's 2021 MVP

Major League Soccer announced New England Revolution player Carles Gil as the winner of the 2021 Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player award.

Gil managed a stand out season, recording four goals and 18 assists to inspire the Revolution to a record-breaking point tally of 73. Though the New England side were ultimately eliminated by MLS Cup finalist NYCFC, the team lifted the Supporters Shield.

After a historic season, the midfielder is taking in the moment for all its worth.

“A lot of emotions in my head,” said Gil. “You have not-so-good moments that make you value these moments. Sometimes we don't value these moments enough. But I thought a lot about my family and friends who are far away from me, back in Spain. In general, a lot of emotions.”

Gil has been the key to New England’s resurgence this season, leading the league-best attack match after match. 

It was not always smooth sailing for Gil, who missed most of 2020 with an injury after arriving in New England following a stint in the Spanish second division.

Now, the midfielder is on top of the league.

“I came here in a complicated moment,” Gil said. “I didn't enjoy the field and I wasn't performing the way I wanted to perform. So I came here looking for something different. I came here hoping to find myself again and fast forward three years later, I'm happy, I'm enjoying it and I'm giving the best version of myself.”

While the award is a major accomplishment for Gil, the 29-year-old is not finished yet. With his team eliminated early in the postseason, he is looking to take home the MLS Cup in 2022 while improving as a player.

“It's important to continue on the same line and continue improving,” Gil said. “Each and every year we keep bringing in great players. We know we have a tough loss with Tajon [going to Club Brugge], but we have to continue improving. I'm sure we'll keep being a winning team and hope to fight for it all again next season.”