Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich will defend his The Best FIFA Football Awards crown on Monday. The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021 will be held in Zurich, Switzerland. FIFA, the sport’s governing body, hosts the awards event each year. Despite the fact that Lionel Messi extended his supremacy in international football by winning a record seventh Ballon d’Or last December, Bayern striker Lewandowski will grace the red carpet event as the hot favorite to win the men’s player of the year award.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool has joined Lewandowski and Messi in a three-horse fight for the Best Men’s Player of the Year award in 2021. Salah wrapped up a productive 2021 season with Liverpool by earning a spot in the men’s category for the FIFA Player of the Year award.

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While Lewandowski halted Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s domination at the FIFA The Best awards, Lucy Bronze of Manchester City was named the Best Women’s Player last year. Here’s all you need to know about FIFA’s The Best awards 2021-2022, from the top nominations to the strong title contenders.

In addition to the Best Men’s Player, Best FIFA Men’s Coach, and Best Women’s Player awards, FIFA will recognize some of the best talents in other categories at the gala event, including The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, FIFA Fair Play Award, FIFA Puskas Award, and FIFA Fan Award. FIFA will also release the men’s and women’s FIFPro World 11 teams.

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Players from Chelsea, Manchester City, Italy, and Argentina are likely to compete in the FIFPro World 11 2021. Argentina, led by Messi, won the Copa America, while Italy, led by Roberto Mancini, won the UEFA Euro 2020 title at Wembley Stadium last year. Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, competed in the UEFA Champions League 2020-2021 final against eventual champions Chelsea.