World's best Lewandowski was 'longing' for individual award

Munich, December 18: Robert Lewandowski was delighted to be recognised as The Best FIFA Men's Player in 2020 after "longing" for individual recognition.

The Bayern Munich striker beat Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to FIFA's top prize after firing the German champions to a stunning treble.

He scored 55 goals last season and 60 in the period considered for this honour, 20 more than Ronaldo and 28 clear of Messi.

Ronaldo had won the award twice before, while Messi was last year's top player, but this was a breakthrough triumph for Lewandowski.

"I feel fantastic," said Lewandowski, who was surprised with the trophy in person by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday.

"I am very proud and happy. To be honest, this is a great day for me, and also for my club and colleagues.

"This award also belongs to my colleagues, the coach and Bayern Munich in general. It is an incredible feeling, a lot of emotions.

Congratulations, @lewy_official 👏 You are #TheBest 👍🏼⚽️💪 #LewanGOALski #FCBayern #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/itoLf7i7U1

— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) December 17, 2020

"If you win such an award and share that title with Messi and Ronaldo, that is unbelievable and it means so much to me.

"A long time ago, I remember I was longing for something like this and now I can win such an award.

"This really means, regardless of where you come from, all that matters is what you put into it."

Lewandowski helped Bayern to the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League titles, with the European crown ranking as his best moment of 2020.

"For the entire world, this year was difficult," he said.

"The greatest highlight was winning the Champions League final - such a special day and evening, that was an incredible feeling. That was a great moment.

"Then we won the cup and got every title we could possibly win. We have a great coach, great team and we all work towards one goal."