Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski won the men’s player award for the second year running.
The 33-year-old Poland international set a new record for most Bundesliga goals in a calendar year with his 43rd goal in December, breaking the record set by Gerd Muller in 1972. Lewandowski, winner of the men’s award in 2020, also became the first player in Bundesliga history to finish top scorer in four consecutive seasons.
The full shortlist included Karim Benzema, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah and the Poland international.
Lewandowski said on the night: “Thank you very much. I am very honoured to win this trophy and feel proud.
“I know it belongs to my team-mates and coaches. We all work hard to win the games. It is special to work with these guys around me.
“I never dream about breaking this record [of Gerd Muller’s]. To score 41 in 29 games – if you ask me that a few years ago if it is possible I would tell you it is impossible. I also say to him thank-you.
“He set so many records and to me it was always the next step to try and break it.”
Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas was named women’s player of the year, adding the accolade to her Ballon d’Or triumph. Putellas, 27, captained Barcelona to the treble, with the Catalan side winning the Women’s Champions League, Spanish league and Copa de la Reina last term.
