Lewandowski beaten to Ballon d'Or award by Messi
Lionel Messi saw off competition from Robert Lewandowski, among others, to win the Ballon d'Or for the seventh time.
Bayern München forward Robert Lewandowski was seen as one of the favorites to win the 2021 Ballon d'Or.
However, the 33-year-old was pipped by Lionel Messi, finishing second in the voting behind the Argentine wizard, who lifted his seventh Ballon d'Or award in Paris tonight. Chelsea midfielder Jorginho came in third.
The Polish international did take home a prize tonight, though, as he won the new Striker of the Year award.
"I am very proud to be here ... I am very proud of this trophy ... I have to thank my teammates, coach and staff [for] the synergy between striker and team," said Lewandowski after receiving the award, according to The Guardian.
Lewandowski was seen as the top favorite for the 2020 Ballon d'Or, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19.
The Polish international is the leading goalscorer in Europe's top five leagues in 2021, having scored 53 goals in all competitions so far.
He won the Bundesliga with Bayern last season with 41 league goals to his name, breaking Gerd Müller's season record.