Lewy retains his title

Bayern Muninch’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was crowned as The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2021 on Monday 17 January 2022 at the Home of FIFA in Zurich.

In doing so, ‘Lewy’ retained his title from 2020 as the world’s best player. In the six-year history of The Best FIFA Football Awards™, only Portuguese attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has previously won the prize in consecutive years, having done so in 2016 and 2017.

While talking to FIFA.com the polish footballers said that he can not differentiate between the two emotions as both the occasions were unbelievably good, “Both occasions were unbelievably good. The first time will always be the first time, but to win it for a second consecutive year means a lot to me. I think my performances in the last couple of years have developed in the right direction”, he said.

The Bayern Munich goal-machine also thanked his teammates for all the support, “I’m always delighted to win individual accolades because they’re also awards for my team. Anything I win, the team also wins, and that makes me very proud. So, I’d like to thank all my team-mates because they make the difference. I’d also like to thank everybody who voted for me and the fans around the world. Everything we do is for the fans and so I also dedicate this prize to them”, said Lewandowsk.

About breaking Gerd Muller’s long-standing Bundesliga goal record, Lewandowski said, “I am very sorry that Gerd isn’t able to witness this today, but I’m sure he was watching from above. I’d never have thought it possible to break his incredible record. The moment when I scored the 41st goal in the last minute against Augsburg was like in a Hollywood movie. It means a great deal to me to measure myself against such a huge legend from world football, and without him I wouldn’t have had that aim or motivation. So, I’m very proud of the record”, said the Bavarian number-nine.

Lewandowski’s next challenge is to take Poland in the main draw as they are in the play-offs and will face Russia, “It definitely won’t be easy but we’re ready for the challenge awaiting us in the play-offs. We’re going up against strong teams and outstanding players, but our objective is to participate at the World Cup. We’ll prepare ourselves well and keep believing in ourselves. I hope to be able to make the difference with my goals and to just be prepared and give my all”, said the Polish captain.