Robert Lewandowski on Monday was voted the FIFA Best Men’s Player. Retaining the title last year, the Bayern Munich star congratulated other winners and thanked his fans. “It is an incredible feeling,” he said. 

Other players in Lewandowski’s category were Paris Saint Germani’s Lionel Messi and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. 

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“I am very honored to win this trophy,” Lewandowski said on a video link from Munich.

The trophy was presented by club officials during the online ceremony hosted at FIFA headquarters in Zurich.

Lewandowski broke two Bundesliga records by scoring 41 goals for Bayern in its title-winning 2020-21 season and 43 in the calendar year of 2021. Both marks were held since 1972 by another Bayern great, Gerd Müller.

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“If you ask me that a few years ago if it was possible, I would have told you, no, it’s impossible to score so many goals in the Bundesliga,” said Lewandowski, who has scored four more in two games this year.

In a social media post he said that footballers ‘dedicate our lives to improving, excelling, and reaching new heights’.

“We push our bodies to the limit for our team, our coach, and the fans,” he said, posting pictures with the award. 

“Football is the world’s sport. It’s unlike any other in the way it connects people. It’s a language understood on every continent. As players we have a responsibility to represent the values of the game – fair play, respect, and sportsmanship ?? And I’m proud to do so – for club @fcbayern ?⚪️ and country ?? @laczynaspilka.”

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He also thanked his supporters, family and friends. 

Chelsea swept the coaching awards in a year when its men’s and women’s teams led by Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes reached their Champions League finals.

Ronaldo was the star guest with FIFA in Zurich. The Portugal star appeared in person to close the show and collect a special award for breaking the all-time scoring record in men’s national team soccer.

With inputs from the Associated Press