Zurich (AP) – Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland smiled side by side on the big screen at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich. The two Bundesliga stars formed the storm center in the online selection of the World Association’s world team – flanked by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A few minutes later, Lewandowski was honored as world footballer of the year for the second time in a row. “An outstanding ambassador for the Bundesliga,” said the new managing director of the German Football League, Donata Hopfen. And Haaland?
The exceptional 21-year-old player, who is employed by Borussia Dortmund, described being selected for the world selection as “great motivation to continue like this”. If he continues as he has in the past few months, in the not too distant future the Norwegian could also be part of the shortlist of world footballers, which Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah had made it into again for 2021 alongside Lewandowski. But Haaland will then – as of now – hardly play in the Bundesliga anymore.
“All my life I’ve loved seeing players score goals, and it’s even better to score them yourself,” said Haaland, who finished the 2021 World Footballer’s Choice Championship with seven points as the last of the preselection in eleventh place. Winner Lewandowski got 48 points. The decisive factors were the votes of the national coaches and captains of the national teams of the FIFA member associations as well as selected journalists and fans worldwide.
There have been rumors of transfers surrounding Haaland for months, which were fueled by statements from the striker himself. A decision about his future is near. Due to an exit clause, he can leave Borussia for 75 million euros this summer despite a contract that runs until 2024. FC Barcelona, which is financially ailing, is one of the customers named. Haaland received world footballer points from Barça captain Sergio Busquets, among others.
The large majority voted in particular for Lewandowski, as well as national coach Hansi Flick and Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer. “It’s a title for everyone around me,” said Lewandowski, who improved Gerd Müller’s age-old goal record from 40 to 41 goals in one season last season. “Unfortunately, Gerd is no longer with us. But I wouldn’t have managed all this without him,” said the Pole about the Bayern icon who died last August. “It’s always about the next step to achieve the next goals.”
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