Robert Lewandowski was named The Best Men’s Player at Fifa’s award ceremony for 2021 on Monday night.
The Bayern Munich striker broke Gerd Muller’s record for goals in a single Bundesliga season en route to another title in the German top-flight for the Bavarians.
As the 2020 winner, Lewandowski defended his crown up against Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah in an award voted for by international managers, captains, media and fans.
Appearing via video link at the Zurich event, he was handed the trophy by Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn while stood alongside coach Julian Nagelsmann. The Pole said: “I am very honoured, I feel very proud.
“This trophy also belongs to my coaches and my teammates, because we all work hard at winning games and trophies.”
Lewandowski also broke the Bundesliga goals in a calendar year record held by legendary striker Muller, who died in August, with 43 goals in 2021.
He added: “I never dreamed about breaking this record. If you asked me a few years ago if it was possible, I would have said no.
“Now he’s not with us anymore and, for these records that I broke, I also say thank you to him. Because without him it would have been impossible. He made so many records and for me and the next generation it was the next step, to break them.”
Monday also saw the naming of the FIFPro World XI, which Lewandowski featured in alongside Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was named the goalkeeper in the team with Leonardo Bonucci, David Alaba and Ruben Dias in defence behind a midfield of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Kevin De Bruyne.
