Lewandowski on leaked FIFA Ballon d'Or longlist
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
02.10.2015 17:08
Star Polish striker Robert Lewandowski was named on a leaked longlist for the Ballon d'Or award (Golden Ball), FIFA's annual prize for the most outstanding footballer of the year.
Bayern Munich player Robert Lewandowski and wife Anna pose during the customary visit of the soccer club to the 182nd annual Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, 30 September 2015. The world's largest folk and beer festival runs from 19 September to 04 October. EPA/LUKAS BARTH
The list, which takes in 59 players, sparked a frenzy of gossip from sports pundits, with the official version due to be released on 7 October.
Pole Lewandowski, who has dished up a spectacular series of goals for his Bundesliga side Bayern Munich of late, was named alongside players such as previous Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
After the longlist is formally announced on 7 October, it will then be trimmed down to 23 players, before a final list of three nominees is revealed ahead of the winners' ceremony in January.
Lewandowski notched up his tenth goal in eight days on Tuesday. His extraordinary run included five goals in nine minutes on 22 September against rival German side Wolfsburg.
The captain of the Polish national side has been playing for Bayern Munich since 2014, following a four-year stint with Borussia Dortmund. (nh/rk)