Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Lewandowski and Putellas named 2021 Best FIFA Men’s & Women’s Player

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski won the Men’s player of the Year award for the second year running.
The 33-year-old Poland international set a new record for most Bundesliga goals in a calendar year with his 43rd goal in December, breaking the record set by Gerd Muller in 1972. Lewandowski, winner of the men’s award in 2020, also became the first player in Bundesliga history to finish top scorer in four consecutive seasons.
Barcelona mid fielder Alexia Putellas was named Women’s Player of the Year adding the accolade to her Ballon d’Or triumph. Putellas, 27, captained Barcelona to the treble, with the Catalan side winning the Women’s Champions League, Spanish league and Copa de la Reina last term.
Chelsea’s Emma Hayes and Thomas Tuchel won in the best coach categories, while Senegal international Édouard Mendy picked up the prize for goalkeeper of the year. Tuchel, who took over at Stamford Bridge in January 2021, won the best men’s coach award after helping Chelsea to the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been honored by FIFA for becoming the all-time leading goal scorer at international level. The Manchester United legend has now scored 115 goals for Portugal, breaking Ali Daei’s previous record of 109.
Erik Lamela’s stunning rabona goal against Arsenal in March was handed the prestigious Puskas Award beating off competition from the likes of Patrick Schick’s effort from the halfway line for the Czech Republic against Scotland at Euro 2020 and Medhi Taremi’s overhead kick for Porto against Chelsea.

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