Robert Lewandowski beats Messi, Salah to win Best FIFA Men's Player Award

Robert Lewandowski beats Messi, Salah to win Best FIFA Men's Player Award

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:54 PM
  • Lewandowski received 52 points, more than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohammed Salah
  • The Poland international had another impressive year in 2021 as he netted 69 goals for club and country
  • He emerged second behind Lionel Messi in the 2021 Ballon d’Or awards

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski beat the likes of Lionel Messi and Mohammed Salah to scoop the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award.

Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski beat the likes of Lionel Messi and Mohammed Salah to scoop the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award. Photo by Pedro Fiúza.
Source: Getty Images

The 33-year old scooped the award for the second consecutive year after an incredible 2021 that saw him net an impressive 69 goals for club and country.

In the ceremony held in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday, January 17, the Poland international was feted after scoring 52 points, which was far better than Cristiano Ronaldo’s 38 and Lionel Messi’s 35 points.

Man United forward Cristiano was also recognized, but on a different capacity as he was lauded for being the men’s all time international goal scorer.

It was a fully merited award for Lewandowski, who controversially missed out on the Ballon d’or award in 2021, which went to Messi for the seventh time.

Last year, Lewandoski scored 41 times in 29 appearances in the Bundesliga, beating the record previously held by the great Gerd Muller.

Taking to his social media after the win, the Poland international said:

“It is a great honor and pleasure to receive the title of FIFA The Best Men's Player,”
"Thank you for your votes and your support.”

Other winners

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was also feted as he won the Best Fifa men's coach after he managed to guide the blues to Champions League glory after only months in charge.

Erik Lamela, now at Sevilla, won the Fifa Puskas award for his incredible rabona goal against Arsenal in the North London derby in March last year.

Edouard Mendy won the best goalkeeper award after a stellar first season at Chelsea that saw him keep a cleansheet in the Champions League final against Manchester City.

Denmark National team and their staff was also recognized for their swift reaction that helped save Christian Eriksen’s life in the Euros last year, and the team was feted with the Best Fifa fair play award

Authors
Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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