MUNICH — Bayern Munich's striker Robert Lewandowski has been crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2021.

The 33 year old scored 43 goals in a calendar year breaking the record held by Gerd Muller since 1972.

The Polish international also became the first player to finish top scorer in four consecutive seasons in the Bundesliga.

The Poland international pipped fellow final three candidates Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah to the gong after falling short to the former at the recent Ballon d'Or awards. It is his second successive time winning the award.

Two-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema were among the candidates but neither made the shortlist

Ronaldo, however, did become the all-time men's international top scorer in November, having taken his tally to 115 and past Iran forward Ali Daei. And as such was awarded with a Special Award by FIFA. — Agencies