Xtra Time Web Desk: Robert Lewandowski on Friday became the first player since Luka Modric in 2018 to beat Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the The Best FIFA Men’s Player. The Bayern Munich marksman was presented the award virtually in a ceremony held in FIFA headquarters in Zurich. The ceremony paid tribute to Diego Maradona, Paulo Rossi – two legends of the game the world lost in 2020.
Lewandowksi struck 15 times in 10 games as Bayern Munich won the Champions League last season, while also contributing 34 league goals as the Bavarian side added the Bundesliga title.
Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp beat Marcelo Bielsa and Hansi Flick to Best FIFA coach award. Klopp guided Liverpool to Premier League title after a gap of 30 years last season. The German won the prize for a second successive season.
Tottenham Hotspurs Korean forward Son Heung-Min won the goal of the year award for his stunning solo effort against Burnley last December.
There was more success for Liverpool as four of Klopp’s players were named in the men’s team of the year alongside Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Here is the FIFA men’s team of the year:
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool FC)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool FC), Alphonso Davies* (FC Bayern München), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF) and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool FC)
Midfielders: Thiago Alcântara (FC Bayern München/Liverpool FC), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City FC) and Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus FC), Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern München) and Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)