Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and coach Hans-Dieter Flick have been named on the shortlist for 'The Best FIFA Football Awards' after their treble-winning campaign last season, alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Lewandowski, top scorer for Bayern in the Champions League (15 goals) and Bundesliga (34), was a firm favorite for the Ballon d'Or award before it was scrapped this year for the first time in its 64-year history because of the novel coronavirus.
However, the Polish striker can still lay claim to being the best player in the world if he picks up the FIFA award, which will be presented on December 17.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Munich scores during the UEFA Champions League Group A stage game against RB Salzburg in Munich, Germany, November 25, 2020. /VCG
Besides Polish striker Lewandowski, one other winner of the Champions League with Bayern Munich made the list, Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara, who joined Liverpool in September.
The English champions also count Senegal's Sadio Mane, Egyptian Mohamed Salah and Dutchman Virgil van Dijk on the shortlist.
Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos complete the list.
Flick, who took charge in November last year, was nominated for the best men's coach along with Liverpool's Juergen Klopp, Leeds United's Marcelo Bielsa, Real's Zinedine Zidane and Sevilla's Europa League-winning coach Julen Lopetegui.
(With input from agencies)