LEWANDOWSKI AND ALEXIA PUTELLAS WIN TOP FIFA BEST AWARDS

Tue 18 January 2022:

Bayern Munich’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski won the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2021 with Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas winning the FIFA Best Women’s Player prize at Monday’s ceremony.

Last season, the 33-year-old Lewandowski set a Bundesliga goal record and won the award over Argentine Lionel Messi of PSG and Egyptian Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.

In the 2020-2021 season, he scored 48 goals for his club and country.

🏆 THIS is the 2021 Men’s FIFA FIFPRO #World11

By the players, for the players.@FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/i0dYe7KUwI

— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) January 17, 2022

“I’m happy and honoured to win this award, and I feel very proud,” said Lewandowski on Monday.

At the weekend, Lewandowski scored three goals for Bayern, bringing his season total to 39 goals in 33 games.

The trophy served as some consolation for the Polish striker, who was beaten to the Ballon d’Or by Messi in November of last year.

Putellas won the award for the second year in a row, defeating Barcelona teammate Jennifer Hermoso and Chelsea’s Australian striker Sam Kerr, just as she did for the Ballon d’Or.

🏆 THIS is the 2021 Women’s FIFA FIFPRO #World11

By the players, for the players.@FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/710e5SqqOK

— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) January 17, 2022

The 27-year-old midfielder had a fantastic season with Barcelona in 2020-2021, leading the Catalans to a 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 received the Special Award for setting a new record for most international goals scored for his country, surpassing Ali Daei’s previous mark of 109 for Iran.

After making his debut at the age of 18 in 2003, the 36-year-old has 115 goals in 184 games for Portugal.

“I never expected to beat this record, and I thank my teammates from these past 20 years,” said Ronaldo, who also holds the record for 140 Champions League goals.

The goalkeeping awards went to Chelsea’s Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Lyon’s Christiane Endler.

Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes won both coaching awards for Chelsea.