(Football news) Poland and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was recognized for his achievement as the continent’s top goalscorer for the 2020/21 season by being awarded the European Golden Shoe. With a staggering record of 41 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances, the 33 year old comfortably outscored both Lionel Messi (30) and Cristiano Ronaldo (29) for the award.
Lewandowski helped his club Bayern Munich secure their ninth consecutive Bundesliga title, averaging 1.50 goals every 90 minutes and failing to score on only four occasions in 29 games. Last year, the striker missed out on the coveted trophy as Ciro Immobile took the award, being awarded 14 penalties in the Serie A. Lewandowski’s outstanding season meant that he broke the legendary Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga record of 40 goals in a season, despite missing an entire month due to injuries.
In an interview after receiving the prestigious award, Lewandowski said “I have to honestly say that I am immensely proud, I’m very satisfied.
"In the season when I scored that historic number of goals – 41 goals – there was a moment when for the first time I didn't think I could do it – because of the time when I was injured.
"But then I just thought about it for a moment, that I am so near to that record! However many matches I have I got when I get back, I have to be positive and believe that I can score 41 goals, and in that way match Gerd Mueller, who is someone I admire very much. That is a great history."
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer said: "This is a great accolade for Robert Lewandowski. Not just for his many, many goals but for the exemplary professionalism with which he gives everything for success every day.
"He's deserved to become the second FC Bayern player after the unforgettable Gerd Muller to be honoured with the Golden Shoe."
It remains to be seen if Robert Lewandowski has done enough to finally win the Ballon d’Or this year, having missed out on the trophy as it was cancelled last year. The striker won the Bundesliga, Club World Cup and the DFL-Supercup and is amongst the favourites but faces stiff competition from Lionel Messi, who won the Copa America with Argentina as well as the Copa Del Rey with Barcelona. Could the Argentine make it his seventh Ballon d’Or or will Lewandowski finally win his first?
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