Poland's Lewandowski netted a Bundesliga record 41 goals in 2020-21, bettering the mark of 40 achieved by former Bayern striker Gerd Mueller almost 50 years ago.

"I am very proud," Lewandowski said at the ceremony in Munich's club museum, adding "you must always believe in great performances, regardless of where you come from."

German Football League boss Christian Seifert said the record would be one "for eternity" as he named Lewandowski "one of the best players in Bundesliga history who has been playing at world-class level for many years."

Six-time winner Lionel Messi was second with 30 goals for Barcelona, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo who had 29 for Juventus.

Lewandowski succeeds Lazio's Ciro Immobile who won the award in 2020.

Based on the UEFA country coefficient, every goal in Europe's top five and most competitive leagues is ranked with two points, and others with 1.5 or 1 point, depending on league strength.

Australian Associated Press