There has widespread outrage in defence of Robert Lewandowski after the Polish frontman was overlooked for this year's Ballon d'Or.
Lionel Messi claimed a record-extending seventh golden ball, in a decision which was labelled as a "scandal" that "cheated" Lewandowski from claiming the prize for the first time.
The 33-year-old continued his free-scoring form in 2021, after scoring an astonishing 38 goals in 30 league games for Bayern Munich, as the Bavarian side claimed another Bundesliga title.
Advert
But it was not enough, as Messi took top spot after winning the Copa America with Argentina - the first international title of his career.
It is being viewed as another kick in the teeth for Lewandowski, who was the favourite to win the France Football award in 2020, after helping the side to a Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League treble.
However, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic saw the event cancelled and prompted Messi to graciously accept that the striker deserved to win the award for his achievements last year.
Advert
But a host of big names believe he should have been given the accolade this year too, which includes the 1990 Germany World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus.
To be honest, after this decision I don't understand the world anymore," Matthaus told Sky Sports Germany.
"With all due respect to Lionel Messi and all the other great nominated players. Nobody deserves it like Lewandowski. France Football didn't award the prize last year, and if only because of all the titles that Robert has won with Bayern 2020, he is unrivalled not only in the last two years.
"But even if you only take 2021 into account, he was better than the rest. He broke Gerd Müller's record of the century, is again top of the top scorers list in every competition, and has surpassed everyone nationally and internationally this year as well."
Lewandowski will now turn his attention back to matters on the pitch when Bayern Munich travel to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Advert
He will be eager to continue his superb scoring form this season, after finding the net 25 times in only 20 appearances.
Topics: Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga