Berlin, Jan. 18 (BUS): Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski was named the 2021 FIFA Player of the Year at the FIFA Awards ceremony on Monday.
The German news agency (DPA) reported that the striker outperformed Lionel Messi, the winner of the Golden Ball, and Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool player, to win the award for the second year in a row.
Poland’s Gerd Muller broke the long-running Bundesliga record for one season, scoring an unprecedented 41 goals. In all competitions, he scored 48 goals in 40 games for Bayern in the 2020-21 season.
“Thank you very much, it’s a great honor,” said Lewandowski while receiving the trophy from Bayern president Oliver Kahn, coach Julian Nagelsmann and member of the Sports Board of Directors Hasan Salihamidzic.
“Everything that happened last year, the Bundesliga record – I wouldn’t have dared dream of that.”
At the ceremony, Thomas Tuchel was honored as the best coach after winning the Champions League with Chelsea.
“It’s been a very normal day so far at the training center, I just came back from training because we have a match (on Tuesday), but now you open the envelope and say my name, it’s very surreal,” the German coach said.
“I’m confused, a little uncomfortable actually. I’m enjoying the ride and I’m enjoying the club, it’s a good fit.”
On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Alexia Butillas won the Women’s Player of the Year award and Chelsea’s Emma Hayes for the best coach.
And Botellas led Barcelona to the treble, as the Catalans won the European Women’s Champions League, the Spanish League and the Reina Cup last season.
Edvard Mendy and Christian Endler were named the best men’s and women’s goalkeepers respectively, while the Danish national team, paramedics and coaching staff were awarded the Fairplay Award for their heroic response after Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s match against Finland at Euro 2020.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ceremony was held partly online, with a few guests and FIFA officials, including President Gianni Infantino, attending the event in Zurich.
Share all the nominated players and coaches via the video link.
MI