With less than three months left in 2021, it is time for acknowledging the top performers across the world. After a hiatus of one year, France Football is back with the Ballon d’Or award. The French magazine released the list of 30 players in contention for the award, with Bayern Munich represented by Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker is one of the favourites for winning this trophy due to his phenomenal 2020/21 campaign with Die Roten. Lewandowski managed to score 41 goals in Bundesliga last season, breaking the long-held record of Gerd Muller for the most goals scored in a single season of Germany’s top-flight division. He ended the campaign with 48 goals across all competitions.
Along with scoring 41 goals across in the Bundesliga last season, Lewandowski won the European Golden boot and helped Die Roten retain the Bundesliga title. The Poland international also lifted UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Rekordmeister during last season. He also scored nine goals for Poland in nine appearances this year, including three goals at Euro 2020.
Lewandowski was unfortunate to miss out on Ballond’Or last season as France Football cancelled the award due to the pandemic. Even though there is no Champions League medal to his name like last season, the Polish striker has a strong case for winning the award this season.
Meanwhile, Thomas Muller and Joshua Kimmich should have been included in the final 30 for Ballon d’Or. Muller had managed 15 goals and 24 assists for Bayern across all competitions. The German forward was one of the most productive number tens in the world last season. On the other hand, Kimmich had another consistent season in the center of the park.
Manuel Neuer up for Goalkeeper award
Along with Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer is also nominated for one of the awards of France Football. The German goalkeeper has been included in the list of ten players nominated for the Yachine Trophy, which is handed to the best goalkeeper in the world. Neuer will face stiff competition for this award as numerous top goalkeepers are nominated for this award.
Jamal Musiala is in the mix for Kopa Trophy
Jamal Musiala is another representative from Bayern in France Football’s awards for 2021. The young forward has been included in the list of ten players that are nominated for the Kopa Trophy, which is awarded to the best young player in the world. Musiala enjoyed a breakthrough season with Rekordmeister last season, making him one of the key players in the first team at the age of 18.