Robert Lewandowski named The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2020

The Bayern Munich striker was one of three finalists, along with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of Thursday’s awards ceremony.

Messi, the 2019 winner, and Ronaldo had claimed the top prize in three of its four prior editions but were this time beaten by Bayern’s treble-winner.

Lewandowski led the line as the Bundesliga giants won the league, DFB-Pokal and Champions League in 2019-20.

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So verdient, @lewy_official! ????#TheBest #LewanGOALski #FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/FEwmkwy4Ng

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) December 17, 2020

Between July 20, 2019 and October 7, 2020 – the period considered for this year’s awards – the Poland international scored a stunning 60 club goals at a rate of one every 76 minutes.

This tally, from 52 Bayern appearances, was 20 more than any other player in Europe’s ‘top five’ leagues.

While Ronaldo was second in this regard, tied with Ciro Immobile on 40 goals, Messi trailed Romelu Lukaku (37), Timo Werner (35) and Raheem Sterling (34).

The Barcelona captain’s 32 goals were matched by Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.

FIFA recognition is particularly precious for Lewandowski this year after the coronavirus pandemic prompted the Ballon d’Or to be cancelled in the best season of his career.

Lewandowski had never previously won either award, although he was the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year last season, making him the clear favourite here ahead of Messi and Ronaldo.

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