Robert Lewandowski named world footballer again – Tuchel world coach

FIFA Awards 2021
Robert Lewandowski named world footballer again – Tuchel honored as world coach

Robert Lewandowski smiled into the camera in a smart dark suit and happily accepted the small silver trophy from the first well-wisher, Oliver Kahn. “Thank you very much, I feel very honored,” said the old and new world footballer from FC Bayern, who was named the best player of the year by the world association FIFA for the second time in a row on Monday evening. “I am very, very proud and feel very lucky,” added the 33-year-old Pole, also dedicating the award to his teammates. Unlike the Ballon d’Or, this time Lewandowski won against superstar Lionel Messi.

In addition to CEO Kahn, Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann and sports director Hasan Salihamidzic also congratulated on site – because of the corona pandemic, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the winner from distant Zurich via an online gala. Thomas Tuchel was one of the honorees after the voting of selected players, national coaches, journalists and fans.

Thomas Tuchel honored as world coach

The Chelsea coach was honored as world coach after the Blues triumphed in the Champions League. The 48-year-old prevailed against big names: against the Italian European champion coach Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola from Manchester City. Tuchel succeeds Jürgen Klopp, who received the award for his successes with Liverpool in 2020 and 2019.

“It’s been a very normal day so far, I’ve just come from training, but now you said my name,” said Tuchel, who was connected via video, to Arsène Wenger, who honored him. “It’s quite surreal, I’m overwhelmed and a little uncomfortable.” Tuchel took over Chelsea just over a year ago and won the premier class with the London club.

The Spaniard Alexia Putellas was honored as the best player in the world. “This award is for all of us,” said the 27-year-old to her team-mates at FC Barcelona. One of them, Jennifer Hermoso, had made it to the final, as had Australia’s Sam Kerr. Barcelona beat Chelsea 4-0 in the Champions League final last summer and Putellas had already been voted Europe’s best player.

Édouard Mendy from Chelsea FC World Goalkeeper of the Year

Germany international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has missed his second FIFA World Goalkeeper of the Year award. The 35-year-old from FC Bayern Munich, who won the election of the world association for 2020, had to admit defeat in the current edition of the Champions League winner Édouard Mendy from Chelsea. The Italian European champion Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) also made it into the election final. Mendy was crowned at the world association’s gala on Monday evening.

In the women’s game, Chilean Christiane Endler from Olympique Lyon beat German international Ann-Katrin Berger (FC Chelsea) and Canadian Stephanie Lynn Marie Labbé (Paris Saint-Germain). Berger lost 4-0 to FC Barcelona with her club in the Champions League final in 2021. The captains and coaches of the national teams, selected journalists and fans from all over the world were entitled to vote.

Danish national team receives fair play award

The national players and the medical staff of the Danish soccer team have been awarded Fifa’s fair play prize after the drama surrounding star player Christian Eriksen. Eriksen collapsed on the pitch on June 12, 2021 during the European Championship group match between Denmark and Finland in Copenhagen and had to be revived. Meanwhile, the visibly shocked Denmark internationals formed a protective circle around their team-mate. After the dramatic scenes on the lawn, the all-clear came later in the evening. The supporters of Denmark and Finland received the Fifa Fan Award for their compassionate and appropriate response during the match.

A defibrillator has now been fitted to Eriksen, the midfielder wants to stay on the pitch and hopes to take part in this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

bw / les
DPA