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Robert Lewandowski beat Lionel Messi for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, while Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel, Edouard Mendy and Emma Hayes all scooped top prizes.
The debate raged in October when Copa America winner and PSG striker Lionel Messi beat Bayern Munich’s Lewandowski to the 2021 Ballon d’Or, but now the striker has had his revenge.
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Lewandowski won his second award in two years
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Meanwhile, Tuchel picked up the honors for his European triumph
Messi has had a poor start to life in France since leaving Barcelona, while Lewandowski has managed 69 goals in 59 games for club and country in 2021.
And he has now been rewarded for his unstoppable goal with back-to-back FIFA award wins, finishing ahead of Messi again this year, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah third.
“The first time will always be the first time, but winning the title for the second time in a row means a lot to me,” said the Poland captain. “I think my athletic performance has moved in the right direction over the past two years.
“I’m always very happy to receive individual awards because it’s always a reward for my team as well. What I win, the team wins too and that makes me very proud.
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Messi previously paid tribute to Lewandowski after winning his seventh Ballon d’Or
2021 Champions League winners Chelsea also had a successful night, with both their men’s and women’s teams being rewarded for their achievements.
Tuchel was named FIFA’s Best Men’s Coach for winning the European Cup with the Blues just six months after replacing Frank Lampard in the dugout.
His goalkeeper, Mendy, was also rewarded by being named the best in the world at his position.
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Mendy was nominated by Peter Schmeichel
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It’s been a phenomenal year for Hayes
Tuchel’s counterpart in the women’s team, Hayes, won FIFA’s Best Women’s Coach award after guiding her side to victories in the Super League, FA Cup and League Cup, as well as the Champions League final.
Tuchel paid tribute to his colleague, saying: “Well, that speaks for itself. She’s already a legend here, and I’m trying to follow and stay as long as her, and grab as many titles .
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Ronaldo was present to collect his special prize
While Lamela’s ridiculous goal against Arsenal was also rewarded
The side that beat Hayes’ side in the final, Barcelona Femini, saw midfielder Alexia Putellas named FIFA’s Best Women’s Player, while PSG goalkeeper Christiane Endler was named Best Women’s Goalkeeper.
Elsewhere, Sevilla’s Erik Lamela won the coveted Puskas Award for his nutmeg rabona goal for Tottenham in the North London Derby, while Cristiano Ronaldo received a special gong for becoming international football’s all-time top scorer .
That means it’s back-to-back wins for the first goal, with Heung-min Son winning it last year.
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