Bayern Munich target man Robert Lewandowski has beaten last year’s winner Lionel Messi and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo to win the best men’s player of the year at the Best FIFA Football Awards in Zurich on Thursday.
The Polish striker scored 55 goals in just 47 games last season to help his club Bayern to a treble.
Lewandowski finished as the top scorer in the league, cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester City defender Lucy Bronze won the best women’s player award.
Nominations from national team captains and head coaches, an online ballot of fans, and 200 media representatives decided the winners.
It is the first time Robert Lewandowski has won the award, with Barcelona forward Messi or Juventus’ Ronaldo usually triumphing.
Lewandowski has also picked up from where left off last season with 16 goals in 14 games for Bayern so fat this term.
“If you win such an award and share that title with Messi and Ronaldo, that is unbelievable and it means so much to me,” Lewandowski said.
“A long time ago, I remember I was longing for something like this and now I can win such and award. This really means, regardless of where you come form, all that matters is what you put into it.”
“I am very proud and happy. This is a great day for me, and also for my club and colleagues.
“This award also belongs to my colleagues, the coach and Bayern in general. It is an incredible feeling, a lot of emotions.”
Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi however lashed out at world football’s governing body, while congratulating his player on the award.
He told Sky in Germany: “FIFA and the world of football have finally recognised Robert as the best player in the world this year. If Robert had been born in another country, I am sure he would have received this trophy a long time ago already.
“I want to congratulate him, his family and all of his millions of supporters. He is not only the best scorer in the world, but an example of a great athlete and personality. Bayern Munich and myself – we are very proud to have him.”
