Bayern Munich’s record-setting striker Robert Lewandowski retained FIFA’s top men’s player title Monday at “The Best” of 2021 ceremony.The 33-year-old Lewandowski, who set a Bundesliga goal record last season, won the trophy for the second time, edging Argentine Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain and Egyptian Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.After being announced as the winner by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Lewandowski said that he was proud of his achievement.”I am very honoured to win this trophy. I feel very proud. I feel happy because this trophy belongs also to my teammates, to my coaches, because we all work hard to win the games, to win the trophies.”ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI WINS THE BEST MEN’S PLAYER 🏆 pic.twitter.com/6SM0m1cIWG— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 17, 2022 Lewandowski’s latest success comes after he made Bundesliga history by reaching 40 goals in record-breaking time. He struck 41 times in 29 matches to break Gerd Muller’s previous record for goals in a calendar year.”I never dreamt of breaking this record of Gerd Muller, to score 41 goals in 29 games. If you asked me that a few years ago, I tell you no, it’s impossible to score so many goals in Bundesliga.”This award was some consolation for the Polish striker who lost out to Messi for the Ballon d’Or in November.It is a great honor and pleasure to receive the title of FIFA The Best Men’s Player 🏆Thank you for your votes and your support 🙏#TheBest @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/GdLwawCNK8— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) January 17, 2022 While two-time men’s winner Ronaldo was omitted from the shortlist for the individual prize for the first time since its inception, it was a successful night for the Portugal captain, who was given the special award after surpassing Ali Daei’s 109-goal record for Iran. The 36-year-old set a new international mark after scoring his 115th goal in 184 appearances for Portugal in October.”I never thought I would set that record. I’m so proud and this is a special award from FIFA, an organisation I respect a lot. I’m really proud and it is a great achievement. I still have the passion for the game. Not just to score goals but to entertain. When I go to the pitch, even in training, my motivation is still there. I’m going to be 37 soon but I feel good and I want to continue. People ask me sometimes how many years I have left and I hope to play four or five years as it’s a mentality. If you treat your body good, when you need your body, it will give you back.”Oh btw, FIFA created a new award for Cristiano, #TheBest FIFA Special Award!And how comes he was the only nominee to attend the awards physically? 🤣 pic.twitter.com/wPhBNXT2TL— #AFCON2021 (@EricNjiiru) January 17, 2022 Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel won the award for the Best Fifa men’s coach for guiding Chelsea to their second Champions League title after only joining the club in January.Former Tottenham winger Erik Lamela won the Puskas award, which recognises the best goal in world football for his ‘rabona’ finish in the north London derby against Arsenal last March.Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy won the award for the best goalkeeper after a successful first season with the club, including a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League final.The Denmark national team and their staff won the Best Fifa fair play award for their swift response after Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during the Euro 2020 game with Finland.
