Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski has been crowned FIFA Best Men's Player for his astonishing performance in 2021 for both club and country. The Polish striker beat Gerd Müller's 49-year-old record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season to guide Bayern to their ninth consecutive Bundesliga title. He also guided Poland to the Euro 2020. On the other hand, Alexia Putellas of Spain won the FIFA Best Women's Player award while former Tottenham Hotspur player Erik Lamela won the famous Puskas award for his ‘Rabona Goal’ against Arsenal in the North London derby.
Two in a row for Lewandowski
The Bayern Munich goal-scoring machine has been in superb form for the last few seasons as he has guided the German club to record Bundesliga titles. He has now won back-to-back FIFA Best Men's Player award having previously won it for his performances in 2020, where Bayern won a unique treble. He beat the likes of Lionel Messi, Mohammed Salah for the prestigious prize.
Alexia Putellas completes perfect trophy cabinet
The Barcelona star is already a legend in her country Spain as she not only became the country's most appearance maker but also guided her club to an unprecedented treble of Champions League, Primera Division and Copa de la Reina in 2021. Securing 48 per cent votes she beat fellow teammate at Spain and Barcelona, Jennifer Hermoso, who finished third. Chelsea's Sam Kerr finished second to take the podium.
Tottenham Hotspur secure Puskas award for second year running thanks to Erik Lamela
Despite poor on-field form Spurs have produced some superb goals in the last couple of years. Erik Lamela, now of Sevilla, won the Puskas award for the best goal in the calendar year for his 'Rabona Goal' against North London rivals Arsenal. Interestingly, Tottenham's Son Heung-Min won the Puskas a year before for his box-to-box goal against Burnley.
Chelsea's Edouard Mendy and Christaine Endler of Lyon won the best goalkeeper's award in the men's and women's categories. Chelsea had a double swipe at the best coach award as Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes both ended up lifting the prize. Denmark's medical staff was honoured with the 'Fairplay' award after attending Christian Eriksen's collapse and saving his life in a tragic incident at the Euro 2020.
