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A Resolution recognizing Hany Mukhtar as the 2022 Landon Donovan Major League Soccer MVP.
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WHEREAS, Hany Mukhtar was born in Berlin, Germany on March 21, 1995; and
WHEREAS, Hany Mukhtar began playing soccer at the age of 7 and was recruited into the German Youth Academy, Hertha BSC; and
WHEREAS, he spent his childhood rising through the teams ranks and captained the club's U-17 squad to a championship title in 2012; and
WHEREAS, the following season, Hany Mukhtar made his professional debut with Hertha BSC, making him the second youngest professional debutant in the club’s history; and
WHEREAS, he went on to play for Portugal’s Benfica, Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg and Brondby in Denmark before joining Nashville Soccer Club; and
WHEREAS, he arrived in Nashville at age 24 and hit the ground running with Nashville SC, where he became the club’s first Designated Player; and
WHEREAS, at age 27, the talented Nashville SC midfielder was named the 2022 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP); and
WHEREAS, he also secured the 2022 MLS Golden Boot trophy after scoring 23 goals this season, becoming the first German born player to earn both awards; and
WHEREAS, in addition, he was named in the MLS Best XI, which recognizes the best players from their respective positions based on votes from the media, players and team front offices; and
WHEREAS, he is the second professional athlete from Nashville to win his league’s MVP award since 2003, making him the first Major League Soccer (MLS) from Nashville; and
WHEREAS, he successfully scored 23 goals and 11 goal assists in 2022, which accounts for the most goal contributions this MLS season; and has been involved in over half of Nashville SC’s goals in club history, and is the all-time leader in club history in goals and assists; and
WHEREAS, some of his additional stats include his 43 goals and 27 assists in 79 appearances, scoring or assisting in 65% of NSC’s goals in 2022 and leading them to playoffs all 3 seasons; and
WHEREAS, his resume also includes leading the league in shots (126) and shots on target (65), an MLS-best 11 goals from August 1 to October 15, the third-highest goals average over 90 minutes (0.73) among the top 10 scorers in MLS, and he accounted for 44 percent of Nashville’s 53 goals this season; and
WHEREAS, The Landon Donovan MLS MVP award has been presented since 1996 to an individual determined by a poll of players, club technical staff, and media to be the most valuable to his club and Hany Mukhtar finished with 48.03% of the votes; and
WHEREAS, his other notable awards and milestones include the 2018 Danish Cup Champion, 2016 Austrian Bundesliga Champion, 2015 Primeira Liga Champion, 2014 UEFA U-19 Champion, 2014 UEFA U-19 Championship Team of the Tournament, and 2013 2. Bundesliga Champion; and
WHEREAS, Hany Mukhtar is a role model both on and off the field and continues to give back to the community through his participation in community programs and events; and
WHEREAS, Lipscomb Academy Soccer Fields will host the Hany Mukhtar Soccer Clinics beginning November 25 through November 27; and
WHEREAS, the soccer clinics will provide the new generation of soccer players the opportunity to train at the highest level with current MLS players, coaches, and Hany Mukhtar; and
WHEREAS, Hany Mukhtar is considered Nashville SC’s talisman and is a great asset to the team; and
WHEREAS, he embodies the highest standards of leadership, and his talent is unparalleled; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Hany Mukhtar for his years of hard work and dedication to Nashville Soccer Club and celebrates his momentous achievement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Nashville Soccer Club’s Hany Mukhtar as the 2022 Landon Donovan Major League Soccer MVP.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.