Robert Lewandowski: "I deserved the Ballon d'Or"

Lewandowski was in a league of his own in 2019/20, finishing the season as top scorer in the Bundesliga (34), DFB Cup (six) and UEFA Champions League (15) as Bayern claimed their second continental treble.

As a reference point, Messi and Ronaldo - who have won 11 of the last 12 Ballon d'Or prizes - scored 31 and 37 times respectively.

The 32-year-old was the clear favourite to be named the world's best player, before organisers France Football confirmed in July that the trophy would not be awarded due to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch: All 34 of Robert Lewandowski's Bundesliga goals in 2019/20

Lewandowski admits he "didn't think about the decision", but is in no doubt who would have been most worthy of world football's top individual gong.

"Me," he said when asked by Polish outlet, Sportowe Fakty, which player deserved the 2020 Ballon d'Or.

"We won everything we could with Bayern. In every competition - Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League - I was the top scorer. I think a player who achieves this would win the Ballon d'Or."

Lewandowski could - and unquestionably should - still claim the FIFA Best Men's award on the back of a campaign in which he realised one of his childhood dreams.

"Until now, I was hiding emotions behind a thick shell, but the Champions League is every footballer's dream and I've believed all my life that I could fulfil it," he explained, having previously finished as a runner-up with Borussia Dortmund in 2012/13, and played in three semi-finals with Bayern.

"I was close many times, but something was missing, something was causing us to be knocked out early. Now that we'd won it, there was a childlike joy, something natural and spontaneous. I had no control over it.

"The most beautiful moment after the game was when I called my wife. She sent me videos of my loved ones crying with happiness. It was amazing. It's what I will remember the most in the future."

It's little wonder Lewandowski brought his nearest and dearest to tears.

The Poland captain produced 15 of Bayern's 43 Champions League goals - from 30 attempts on target - as well as six assists. He also enjoyed his best-ever Bundesliga season - registering 34 goals, and four assists - to win his fifth Torjägerkanone.

Six DFB Cup goals, including two in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, mean he is the first player ever to win a continental treble while also being the top scorer in each competition.

To reiterate, he hit 55 goals in 47 games.

Ballon d'Or or not, LewanGOALski has to be considered the best footballer on the planet right now.