The goal record made an impression: As in the previous year, Robert Lewandowski was named “World Footballer of the Year” by FIFA. The Pole in Bayern Munich kit had surpassed Gerd Müller’s mark with 41 Bundesliga goals.
“I’m very proud,” said the 33-year-old, who was ranked first by national team captains and managers, media and fans on the FIFA website, ahead of Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain) and Mohamed Salah (Liverpool). ). Lewandowski recalled Müller, who died in August, whose record had driven him: “Without him none of this would have been possible. Everything that happened last year, the Bundesliga record, I would never have dared to dream of.” At the somewhat more prestigious Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski had to give way to Messi, and Chelsea’s Italian European champion Jorginho had won Europe’s Footballer of the Year.
Thomas Tuchel was voted best coach. The German had led Chelsea to the Champions League victory. He prevailed against Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) and Italy’s European champion coach Roberto Mancini. Chelsea scooped up two other awards: Edouard Mendy was named Best Goalkeeper and Emma Hayes Best Coach. She had also triumphed in the Champions League with the London club’s women’s team.
Pros chose Alaba
David Alaba was also honored: The 29-year-old was voted into the eleven of the year by the professional football team. After ten championship titles with Bayern Munich, the ÖFB team player won the Supercup final against Bilbao (2-0) on Sunday, the first title in Real Madrid dress.
Source: Nachrichten
