Robert Lewandowski was elected The Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2021 on Monday. The Bayern Munich top striker had to tolerate Lionel Messi at the Ballon d’Or, but is now being rewarded for his excellent performance. It is the second year in a row that Lewandowski has won the award.
Lewandowksi had another incredibly good year personally. The Bayern Munich attack leader broke the prestigious goal record in the Bundesliga in 2021. Lewandowski scored 41 league goals in the previous season, blowing the decades-old record of Gerd Müller (40 goals in 1971/72) from the books. Also looking at the calendar year, Lewandowski shook off the former striker: 43 Bundesliga goals in 2021, compared to 42 from Müller in the calendar year 1972.
Bayern Munich became champions effortlessly with Lewandowski in the ranks, but in Europe the desired success was not forthcoming: elimination in the quarterfinals of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain. Lewandowski was unable to play in that round due to an injury. The Pole also made his mark at the European Championship with three goals, but it was not enough for his national team to survive the group stage.
Alexia Putellas
Alèxia Putellas took home the FIFA award for best female player. The attacking midfielder from Barcelona also won the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2021 and is therefore widely regarded as the best player on earth. Vivianne Miedema received a place in the best women’s team in FIFA.