Bayern Munich Robert Lewandowski had quite a run in 2021, and he capped off the year by reaching yet another historic feat.

Lewandowski played a pivotal role in Bayern Munich’s final match of the calendar year, as the Bavarian powerhouse took care of business with a 4-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg in Bundesliga play. The reigning European Golden Boot winner put the finishing touches on the convincing performance from Bayern Munich with a goal scored. The late score gave him 19 goals in Bundesliga play this season.

More so, Lewandowski finished the year with a combined 69 goals scored in all competitions for both Bayern Munich and the Poland national team. Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi (91 in 2012) and Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo (69 in 2013) are the only players since 2000 to reach this number of goals scored.

The Polish international had one of the more memorable years by any striker in recent memory. From breaking longtime German striker Gerd Muller’s record for the most goals in a single Bundesliga campaign to his standout showings in the Euro 2020 tournament, he simply upped his play in statement fashion.

Still, Lewandowski’s heroic play over the year was not enough to earn him the 2021 Ballon d’Or honor, as he finished in second place in the final vote behind Messi.

Lewandowski is expected to be among the top contenders for next year's Ballon d'Or award. He could bolster his resume for this prestigious world football honor with grand success in UEFA Champions League knockout stage play later this season.