Messi announces retirement
FC Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski won the men’s player award for the second time in a row.
The 33-year-old Poland international set a new record for most Bundesliga goals in a calendar year with his 43rd goal in December, beating Gerd Müller’s record set in 1972. Lewandowski, winner of the 2020 men’s award, became the first player in Bundesliga history to be top scorer in four consecutive seasons.
Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas was named 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 season.
For live updates and reactions from the ceremony, follow:
Women’s World XI raises a few eyebrows
The Women’s World XI raised eyebrows from some fans and reporters alike, as none of the shortlisted Players of the Year were included.
The bigger shock, however, was the lack of Spanish players, particularly Barcelona stars, to be present. Barcelona completely dominated European football last season by winning the domestic treble and the Champions League.
The women’s world eleven was: Christiane Endler; Lucy Bronze, Wendy Renard, Millie Bright, Magdalena Eriksson; Estefania Banini, Carli Lloyd, Barbara Bonansea; Vivianne Miedema, Marta, Alex Morgan.
Here are some tweets showing the confusion:
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 7:40 p.m
A little summary
So the reports from the favorites were correct, with Robert Lewandowski and Alexia Putellas being named Player of the Year for both men and women at the Fifa Best Awards.
The oddball Putellas has not been included in the women’s World XI, but Lewandowski walks away with two awards for being named in the men’s XI.
If you missed it, here are the details of these awards:
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 7:35 p.m
Summary of all awards!
There were many awards this evening, so here is a summary of all the winners.
Special Price: Christine Sinclair
Special Price: Cristiano Ronaldo
Men’s Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski
Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas
women coach: Emma Hayes
men’s coach: Thomas Tuchel
Women’s World XI is: Christiane Endler; Lucy Bronze, Wendy Renard, Millie Bright, Magdalena Eriksson; Estefania Banini, Carli Lloyd, Barbara Bonansea; Vivianne Miedema, Marta, Alex Morgan
The men’s world eleven is: Gianluigi Donnarumma; David Alaba, Ruben Dias, Leonardo Bonucci; Jorginho, N’Golo Konte, Kevin de Bruyne; Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi
best fans: Fans of Denmark and Finland
Fair play: Denmark’s medical team and players
men’s goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
women’s goalkeeper: Christiane Endler
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 7:28 p.m
Fifa Best Awards – Cristiano Ronaldo wins a special award
Cristiano Ronaldo has received a special award for becoming the men’s top international goalscorer at 115.
We heard earlier from Christine Sinclair, who scores the most international goals at 185.
Ronaldo, who is in the studio, said: “It’s very nice.
“I never thought I would break the record. I’m proud, it’s a special award from Fifa. I have to thank my family, my wife and my children.”
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 7:22 p.m
Fifa Best Awards – Robert Lewandowski Men’s Player of the Year
Well, this one might cause some debate!
Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski and Mo Salah are all shortlisted.
Lewandowski keeps his award!
“Thank you, I am very honored to win this trophy. I’m very proud. This belongs to my teammates and coaches.
“I say thank you to Gerd Müller, the next step was to try to break this record.”
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 7:17 p.m
Fifa Best Awards – Alexia Putella’s Player of the Year
Gianni Infantino introduced the player of the year.
Barcelona’s Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas were shortlisted, as well as Chelsea’s Sam Kerr.
Alexia Putellas won and secures her Ballon d’Or, she is the first Spanish footballer to win the award.
“I want to thank and congratulate all my teammates because this award is for all of us. This award will push us to play with the same motivation this season,” she said.
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 7:14 p.m
Fifa Best Awards – Fifa Fifpro World XI unveiled
The women’s world eleven is: Christiane Endler; Lucy Bronze, Wendy Renard, Millie Bright, Magdalena Eriksson; Estefania Banini, Carli Lloyd, Barbara Bonansea; Vivianne Miedema, Marta, Alex Morgan.
Bronze said, “I don’t think I can put into words being on this team, being a role model for girls and boys around the world.”
The Men’s World XI is: Gianluigi Donnarumma; David Alaba, Ruben Dias, Leonardo Bonucci; Jorginho, N’Golo Konte, Kevin de Bruyne; Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi.
Alaba said: “I think when it comes to forwards, we have to focus on defenders.”
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 6:59 p.m
Fifa Best Awards – Denmark and Finland fans win Fifa fan award
Julio Cesar presented the FIFA Fan Award.
Denmark and Finland fans, German football fans and Imogen Papworth-Heidel were shortlisted.
Fans from Denmark and Finland have won for their actions during Christen Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 6:51 p.m
Fifa Best Awards – Thomas Tuchel Wins Men’s Coach
Arsene Wenger presented the award for the best men’s coach.
Man City’s Pep Guardiola, Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel and Italy’s Roberto Mancini were shortlisted.
It’s a double for Chelsea! Tuchel won the Champions League with the Blues last season.
“I’m overwhelmed. I actually feel a bit uncomfortable,” he said. “I’m enjoying the trip and the club. It’s a good fit. The company on the trip is good and I’m grateful to have such good people around me.
“I’m a huge admirer of Wenger’s work.”
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 6:45 p.m
Fifa Best Award – Emma Hayes becomes women’s coach
Jill Ellis arrived via video link to present the award for Best Women’s Coach.
Barcelona’s Lluís Cortés, Chelsea’s Emma Hayes and England’s Sarina Wiegman were all shortlisted.
Emma Hayes Looks Shocked! Chelsea won the domestic treble last season.
“Honestly, I’m not usually stunned! The amazing people who represent my work, after all, a coach is only as good as the people around them.
“Everyone in the country [England] build for this moment [Euro 2022]. Let’s hope that the rush is big.”
Sarah RendellJanuary 17, 2022 6:39 p.m