9 moments that show why Robert Lewandowski was the best footballer in the world in 2020

What Robert Lewandowski has achieved in the 2020 calendar year is almost unbelievable. The Poland international was involved in a whopping 52 goals (40 scored, 12 assisted) by 4 December. He played a big role in Bayern's haul of five trophies and was rightly named Germany and Europe's Footballer of the Year. He has also been nominated for The Best FIFA Men's Player award. We have picked out nine moments where Lewandowski showed why he was the world's best footballer in 2020.

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1. Important & beautiful goals

Lewandowski has scored the decisive goal countless times this calendar year. On 16 July in Bremen, the striker gave Bayern the lead by taking the ball down with his chest and guiding it unstoppably past the goalkeeper. It was the goal that secured the Bundesliga title in 2019/20. 

2. Complete striker

The 32-year-old proved he is the complete striker in the 5-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 24. First he scored with his left, then with his head from a corner and a little later with his right - a perfect hat-trick.

3. Team player with outstanding technique

Lewandowski was named Germany's Footballer of the Year before the season opener against Schalke on 18 September. And he showed why in the subsequent 8-0 victory. The centre-forward scored once himself and assisted two more - including a technically brilliant Rabona, shown in the above picture. The game was symbolic of how tirelessly Lewandowski works for the team. Bayern's No.9 runs up and down the field and always has an eye for his teammates.

4. Daring the impossible

The Pole surpassed himself in the DFB Cup final against Bayer Leverkusen on 4 July. In the 59th minute, Lewandowski perfectly took down a long clearance from Manuel Neuer, and fired the ball almost directly towards goal from around 30 yards. Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky was completely surprised, could not save the shot and it was 3-1 to FCB. Lewandowski's courage was rewarded and it showed the attacker can do almost anything. He went one better late in the game and increased the lead to 4-1 with a fine lob. Once again he played a huge part in a title.

5. Incredible goal instinct

Lewandowski knows exactly where to position himself on the pitch. He proved this in the 3-2 win against Paderborn on 21 February, when he only had to tap in the pass from Serge Gnabry and the net bulged once again. Anticipation and a perfect understanding of the game always put the attacker in the right position.

6. FCB lifeline

Bayern could always rely on one thing in 2020. If things weren't going their way, Lewandowski would be there. On 4 October, the Reds did not have the best day against Hertha Berlin and twice threw away a lead. But in stoppage time Lewandowski sealed victory with from the penalty spot. It was his fourth goal that evening as Bayern won 4-3.

7. Even better after the break

Many wondered whether Lewandowski would maintain his impressive form after the coronavirus break. The answer was emphatic, as he scored in the first fixture after the restart against Union Berlin. When the Champions League resumed, the Pole was immediately on fire again. After another month's break, Lewandowski bagged a brace and set up the other two in the 4-2 win at home to Chelsea. It seemed he was simply getting better and better.

8. Strong with his head

Bayern and, of course, Lewandowski will never forget their 8-2 quarter-final win against Barcelona on 14 August. The FCB No.9  set up Thomas Müller for the opener before getting on the scoresheet himself in the 82nd minute to make it 6-2 with his head.

9. On the ball in the big games

Lewandowski demonstrated his incredible skill once again in the most recent Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund. From an almost impossible situation, he headed Lucas Hernandez's cross inside the far post to make it 2-1. Not even aerial expert Mats Hummels could do anything to stop it. Lewandowski also delivered the key pass to make it 3-1 and secure the points in the 3-2 victory. 

With your vote, you can help Lewandowski, Neuer and Hansi Flick win at The Best FIFA Football Awards: