ENTERTAINMENT
FC Bayern Diplomatic After Lewandowski Ballon d’Or Snub
Robert Lewandowski and FC Bayern Munich did their best to hide their disappointment after Lionel Messi beat him to the Ballon d’Or.
However, former Bayern star, Lothar Matthaeus, was adamant the Poland striker should have won.
Lewandowski was awarded the new striker of the year award at the gala in Paris on Monday after journalists had decided France Football’s big prize should go to Lionel Messi for a record-extending seventh time.
Messi won a major international honour this year as Argentina captured the Copa America but Matthaeus was staggered that Lewandowski’s record 41 goals in a Bundesliga season was not enough for the Ballon d’Or.
“Honestly, I don’t understand the world any more after this vote.
“I have huge respect for Messi and the other great players who were nominated, but nobody deserved it more than Lewandowski,” former Germany player Matthaeus, who won the prize while at Inter Milan in 1990, told Sky.
Lewandowski’s claims to the Ballon d’Or were strengthened by the fact most pundits accepted he would have won it in 2020 had the award not been cancelled because of Covid-19.
Last year he led Bayern to a Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup treble with another glut of goals.
He at least won FIFA’s rival player of the year award in 2020 and was magnanimous as he picked up his striker gong at the Chatelet Theatre.
“I am very proud to be here. I have to say thanks to my team-mates, my coach and above all the fans. And a very special thanks to my family,” said the 33-year-old.
To be fair to Messi, he realised he was fortunate to take another Ballon d’Or after only winning the Copa del Rey with troubled Barcelona last season before switching to Paris Saint-Germain.
“It is an honour to be here with you. You have broken records and would have also deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. You had an unbelievable year,” he said to Lewandowski.
Bayern chief executive, Oliver Kahn, was as diplomatic as possible.
“Congratulations to Lionel Messi.
“But along with his striker of the year award, Robert Lewandowski would have also deserved the Ballon d’Or because for years he has been absolutely outstanding every day,” he said.
Bayern also saw Jamal Musiala finish third in the Kopa Trophy young player vote behind winner Pedri of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund’s England midfielder, Jude Bellingham.
Manuel Neuer was fifth in the best goalkeeper category.
Oborevwori’s CPS Ahon Meets New Delta NUJ Exco, Calls For Closer Synergy With Government
Full List: Tinubu Nominates 4 New INEC Commissioners, 2 RECs — See Names, States
NNPC Confirms Rivers Pipeline Explosion, Residents’ Homes and Businesses Damaged
Police Raid Cult Anniversary Party in Asaba, Arrest 95 Suspected Cultists, Recover Pump-Action Guns
Aircraft Loses Door Minutes After Take-Off From Abuja, Makes Emergency Landing
Umahi Orders Reconstruction Of Benin-Asaba Highway, Reopens First Niger Bridge With CCTV, Solar Lights
Minimum Wage: NLC, FG Clash Over Timing of Fresh Wage Review
Yahaya Bello Fraud Trial: BDC Operator Reveals How N1.425bn Was Used To Pay Bello Children’s School Fees At AISA
Dokubo-Asari To Be Crowned Amanyanabo Of The Source Dec 19, As Tonye Princewill Chairs Coronation Committee
Ebenco Refinery Gets NMDPRA Approval To Introduce Hydrocarbons, Advances To Commissioning
Delta: Police Arrest Man For Attempted Armed Robbery, Stabbing Woman in Alifekede Village
Delta Police Arrest Three Over Theft Of N2m, POS Machine In Okwagbe Waterside
Oluremi Tinubu Pays Homage to Oba of Benin in Benin City
Delta NUJ Election: Oyowe Re-elected Chairman, Defeats Obieh
2027 Delta Central: Omo-Agege Accuses Dafinone Of Sponsoring Petitions, Says He’s Scared Of Election
