Today, Robert Lewandowski, the top scorer of the Polish national team and Bayern Munich, received the Golden Boot – the award for the best scorer in European leagues. The Pole outclassed his competitors, scoring 41 goals last season.
The ceremony took place in the club museum at the Allianz Arena stadium.
In the Golden Boot classification in the strongest leagues on the Old Continent (English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French), the number of goals is multiplied by two, so Lewandowski’s final score is 82 points.
? ＧＯＬＤＥＮ ＳＨＯＥ ２０２１ ?@lewy_official #MiaSanMia #FCBayern pic.twitter.com/VjoinVc6jF
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) September 21, 2021
The second place went to the Argentine Lionel Messi, who at that time still in the colours of Barcelona (now Paris Saint-Germain) scored 30 goals (60 points), and the third – the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus Turin (now Manchester United) – 29 goals, or 58 points.
Lewandowski is the first player in Bundesliga history to surpass 40 league goals in a season. The previous record-holder was Gerd Mueller, who died earlier this year, with 40 goals.
– I’m proud, I’m happy, I have never thought I would break this record. Later when I was close, I knew I had to focus on every game and score more goals – he admitted while receiving the statuette.
His wife Anna was present at the gala. Lewandowski emphasized how important family is for him.
– My wife is a source of motivation for me. I derive strength from my family. When I come home after a lost match and see my daughters’ smiling faces then everything becomes easier – he emphasized.
The 33-year-old striker was also asked about his future. His contract with the Bavarians expires in the summer of 2023.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s what you still want to accomplish. I know I can still be better. I have a contract with Bayern and I want to reach for more trophies with this club. We have fantastic players and staff,” he said.
– This is the best period of my career, although of course I still have a few years of playing ahead of me – he added.
Bayern CEO Herbert Heiner spoke first at the gala. For several minutes he repeatedly complimented Lewandowski, including comparing him to Messi and Ronaldo.
– Gerd Mueller’s record seemed unbreakable, but Lewandowski managed to improve it. He never stops. He is a perfectionist in every way – he said.
Hansi Flick, who was Bayern’s coach last season, also spoke out in the video presented.
– For two years during every training I saw your professionalism and enthusiasm – he pointed out.
FIFA boss Gianni Infatino and Juergen Klopp, who coached Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund from 2010-14, also offered congratulations in the same form.
– I was wondering why you had to wait so long for the Golden Boot. After all, we’ve seen from the beginning that you’re a special player. 41 goals in the Bundesliga are an incredible feat. I hope you score even more goals in the next seasons and we meet in the Champions League – the current Liverpool coach said.
Lewandowski received the Golden Boot for the first time in his career. He is also the first Pole to be honoured in this way. The prize has been awarded since 1968. Most times – six times – it has been won by Messi.