Bayern Munich’s record-setting striker Robert Lewandowski retained FIFA’s top men’s player title Monday at “The Best” of 2021 ceremony. At the same time Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas collected the award for best women’s player.
It was the Polish striker’s second straight year winning the award.
Robert Lewandowski received 48 points after all of his votes from national team captains, coaches, media and fans. Lionel Messi came in second with 44 points and Mohamed Salah got 39 points.
Lewandowski was a strong favourite for the award having won the FIFA Club World Cup with Bayern in 2021.
Interestingly, the 33-year-old marksman was also vital in helping Bayern lift the Bundesliga title in the same year. In addition, he set a Bundesliga goal record last season.
Furthermore, Lewandowski played a huge role during Poland’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers, netting eight goals in eight games.
“I’m happy and honoured to win this award, and I feel very proud,” said the striker.
It was some consolation for the Polish striker who lost out to Messi for the Ballon d’Or in November.
For Putellas, it marked an awards double as the Spaniard triumphed over Barcelona team-mate Jennifer Hermoso and Chelsea’s Australian striker Sam Kerr, just as she did for the Ballon d’Or.
The 27-year-old midfielder enjoyed an exceptional 2020-2021 season with Barcelona. She led the Catalans to the Spanish league and cup double as well as the Champions League.
“This trophy is for everyone in the team,” Putellas said. “The trophy will be an inspiration for us all.”
Cristiano Ronaldo won the Special Award for setting a record of most international goals scored for his country, beating Ali Daei’s mark of 109 with Iran.
The 36-year-old Ronaldo now has 115 goals from 184 games with Portugal.
Who Voted For Who?
Voting is carried out by an international jury made up of national team managers and captains as well as a pool of journalists.
A percentage of the vote is also made up by fans who vote through the FIFA website.
With players getting a say on who should win the award, it’s always interesting to take a peek at who has voted for who.
The votes by Lewandowski, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo make for interesting reading.
Robert Lewandowski – Jorginho (1st), Lionel Messi (2nd), Cristiano Ronaldo (3rd)
Lionel Messi – Neymar (1st), Kylian Mbappe (2nd), Karim Benzema (3rd)
Cristiano Ronaldo – Robert Lewandowski (1st), N’Golo Kante (2nd), Jorginho (3rd)
Messi’s voting was somewhat surprising considering what he said about Lewandowski at the Ballon d’Or.
The Bayern Munich star has admitted he was surprised not to make Messi’s final three. This was especially surprising after words of praise at the Ballon d’Or. He hopes the Argentine’s decision was not fuelled by any personal issue.
Lewandowski told a press conference: “Those were very nice words from him. Now regarding his choice: the question has to be asked of him. I didn’t do anything wrong that he can be mad at me – except sporting things.”