With Nemanja Nikolic being named to Major League Soccer's Best XI for the 2017 season, take a look back at 11 of the year's most memorable moments for Nikolic, on and off the field:
Say Hello
Jan. 20 — Niko arrives at Chicago's O'Hare Airport for the first time, receiving a hearty welcome from Fire faithful
"His First One in MLS"
March 11 — Niko finds net in his home debut at Toyota Park, a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
No Surprise Here
May 17 — After raising his goal total to a record-setting 10 in 11 games, Niko dropped a dash of the confidence that has helped make him so successful.
Feeling at Home
June 10 — Niko easily connected with Fire fans of all ages and backgrounds in his first year with the club, but on June 10 he had the backing of an especially proud group of fellow Hungarians in attendance. Niko was all smiles for the postgame meet-and-greet after scoring in a 2-0 win over Atlanta United.
Brace for Impact
July 1 — Coming off a draining defeat midweek in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Niko helped dispel any hint of a letdown in MLS action three days later, delivering two class finishes inside of 20 minutes to send the Fire on their way to a 4-0 home win over Vancouver.
Star In The Making
July 7 — Niko is voted into the MLS All-Star Fan XI, earning automatic inclusion in the group that faced Real Madrid on Soldier Field on Aug. 2
Alone at the Top
Sept. 27 — Niko nets his 19th and 20th goals of the year at San Jose, breaking Ante Razov's longstanding club record for goals in a season and helping the Fire clinch an MLS Cup Playoffs berth in the process.
Hats Off
Oct. 15 — Nikolic clinches MLS Golden Boot and lifts Fire past Union with hat trick in home finale
Honoring the Lion
Oct. 15 — In a show of support for injured teammate Michael de Leeuw, Niko celebrates his first goal vs. Philadelphia by raising de Leeuw's No. 8 shirt to the crowd.
Just Keeps Scoring
Nov. 14: Though they were only friendlies, Niko enjoyed a triumphant return to the Hungarian national team setup with two goals in two games.
In Good Company
Nov. 30 — Niko's incredible debut season in MLS culminates in his selection to the 2017 MLS Best XI.
