Lewandowski, Putellas Win FIFA Best Player Award

Bayern Munich's striker Robert Lewandowski retained the FIFA men's player title Monday at "The Best" of 2021 ceremony as Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas collected the award for best women's player.

The 33-year-old Lewandowski, who set a Bundesliga goal record last season, won the trophy for the second time, edging Argentine Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain and Egyptian Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also given a FIFA Special Award due to his goals for the year.

?✨ Cristiano Ronaldo is the recipient of #TheBest FIFA Special Award!

?? Legend. Winner. Goalscoring machine. @Cristiano. pic.twitter.com/ZnzGMJKCEk

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) January 17, 2022

It was some consolation for the Polish striker and the Portuguese talisman -- who lost out to Messi for the Ballon d'Or in November.

For Putellas, it marked award-double as the Spaniard triumphed over Barcelona teammate Jennifer Hermoso and Chelsea's Australian striker Sam Kerr, just as she did for the Ballon d'Or.

The 27-year-old midfielder enjoyed an exceptional 2020-2021 season with Barcelona when she led the Catalans to the Spanish league and cup double as well as the Champions League.

Chelsea's Edouard Mendy and Christiane Endler of Lyon won the goalkeeping awards.

Chelsea picked up both coaching awards through Thomas Tuchel and Emma Hayes.

Erik Lamela, now of Sevilla, won the best goal award for his trick rabona shot for Spurs in the North London derby.'

Este golazo de Erik Lamela fue nominado como el mejor tanto del 2021.?⚽️

¡Felicidades @ErikLamela por ganar el premio #Puskas de la @FIFAcom! ???#CreeEnGrande pic.twitter.com/XtOqEIyRK3

— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) January 17, 2022

The medical staff and players of Denmark, who had to deal with Christian Eriksen's collapse on the field at the Euro won the "fair-play" award.