Robert Lewandowski wins Striker of the Year at Ballon d’Or 2021 award ceremony after prolific year with Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski has received the first Striker of the Year award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The new award was announced just before the shortlist ranking started to be revealed, with Club of the Year also set to be handed out for the first time.

Lewandowski’s free-scoring consistency made him a favourite to win the 2020 Ballon d’Or which was ultimately cancelled, and he was similarly among the contenders to win this year’s award.

LIVE: Follow live coverage of 2021 Ballon d’Or ceremony

Other forwards including Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi were still in the running for the main Ballon d’Or prize at the time Lewandowski was crowned top striker - though as a surprise inclusion at the ceremony, little is known over the criteria for selection.

More to follow...

Read More

Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses ‘lies’ over Ballon d’Or and Lionel Messi motivation

Pedri wins Kopa Trophy at Ballon d’Or ceremony after shining for Barcelona and Spain

Every Ballon d’Or winner from Matthews and Best to Ronaldo and Messi