Not Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, but Robert Lewandowski named Best Player by IFFHS

Following an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski clinched 2021 IFFHS World's Best Player award ahe of PSG's Lionel Messi and Chelsea's Jorginho. This was second consecutive year in which Polish international has won award.

Having won IFFHS award once again, 33-year old striker will undoubtedly be one of favourites to also win Ballon d'Or 2021 award that is to be handed out on November 29 this year.

Robert Lewandowski wins IFFHS world's best player award

As per official voting numbers, Robert Lewandowski won IFFHS world's best player award by garnering 150 votes. Lionel Messi was in second place with 105 points, while Jorginho finished in third with 40 points. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has often been seen as primary rival to Messi since past few years, was ranked seventh with 15 points.

Only a few will question decision to name Lewandowski as best player considering remarkable season he has h with Bayern Munich. In 2020/21 season, 33-year old scored 48 goals in just 40 appearances for Bavarians. Polish striker's goalscoring was crucial in helping club win ir 31st Bundesliga trophy. Meanwhile, Bayern also won DFL-Supercup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup last season.

After such an incredible season, he was extremely unlucky to miss out on potential of winning 2020 Ballon d'Or, which did not take place due to COVID pandemic. However, he is one of frontrunners to win elusive award this season, with likes of Lionel Messi and Jorginho expected to provide strong competition. or candidates to win Ballon d'Or include Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Real Mrid's Karim Benzema.

Ballon d'Or 2021 nominees

GOALKEEPERS

1) Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

DEFENDERS

2) Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)

3) Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

4) Simon Kjær (AC Milan)

5) Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

6) Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

MIDFIELDERS

7) N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)

8) Mason Mount (Chelsea)

9) Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)

10) Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

11) Pedri (Barcelona)

12) Luka Modric (Real Mrid)

13) Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

14) Jorginho (Chelsea)

15) Phil Foden (Manchester City)

FORWARDS

16) Riy Mahrez (Manchester City)

17) Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)

18) Harry Kane (Tottenham)

19) Karim Benzema (Real Mrid)

20) Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

21) Lionel Messi (PSG)

22) Neymar (PSG)

23) Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)

24) Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

25) Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

26) Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)

27) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

28) Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

29) Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)

30) Luis Suarez (Atletico Mrid)