Bayern Munich’s record-setting striker Robert Lewandowski retained FIFA’s top men’s player title at “The Best” of 2021 ceremony as Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas collected the award for best women’s player.

The 33-year-old Lewandowski, who set a Bundesliga goal record last season, won the trophy for the second time, edging Argentine Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain and Egyptian Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.

It was some consolation for the Polish striker who lost out to Messi for the Ballon d’Or in November.

For Putellas, it marked an awards double as the Spaniard triumphed over Barcelona team-mate Jennifer Hermoso and Chelsea’s Australian striker Sam Kerr, just as she did for the Ballon d’Or.

Everton have sacked manager Rafael Benitez after just six-and-a-half months in charge following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Norwich.

The Toffees have won just once in the Premier League since September and are 15th in the table, six points above the relegation zone. Following his sacking, Benitez released a statement claiming things “would have been better” if players had not been injured and further new signings had been made.

The former Liverpool manager was appointed Everton boss last summer but the Spaniard failed to win over the Goodison Park faithful. Everton fans displayed a banner calling for his exit during their team’s loss to Norwich at Carrow Road. The same banner was also unfurled at their 3-2 FA Cup third-round win at Hull. Everton have lost nine of their past 13 league games, including a 4-1 home defeat by Merseyside rivals Liverpool and a 5-2 home defeat against relegation strugglers Watford.

Reports say Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are two of the names under consideration to replace Benitez. Also on the list are former manager Roberto Martinez, Brighton boss Graham Potter, Rudi Garcia, and Duncan Ferguson until the end of the season.

Newcastle United have signed England defender Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for 12million pounds plus add-ons.

The 31-year-old is Newcastle’s first signing since a Saudi Arabian-backed takeover was completed in October. Recall that the newly appointed Newcastle Manager, Eddie Howe also signed Trippier in 2012 during his time as Burnley boss.

Trippier, who won the Spanish title with Atletico last season, had 18 months left on his contract. Newcastle is second bottom of the Premier League, having won one league game this season.

STILL IN SPORTS – Third-placed Napoli are six points behind Inter after a 1-1 draw away at Juventus in the late Serie A game.

Dries Mertens gave Napoli a 23rd-minute lead after good work from Matteo Politano, before Federico Chiesa equalised for Juve eight minutes into the second half. Juventus are fifth in Serie A and play at Roma on Sunday. On the same day, Inter entertain Lazio, AC Milan are away at Venezia with Napoli entertaining Sampdoria.

The Women’s Tennis Association – WTA has announced it is suspending all tennis tournaments in China amid concern for Chinese player Peng Shuai after she accused a top government official of sexual assault.

WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in a statement that the safety of players is of paramount concern.

Reports say the whereabouts of Peng, a former doubles world No 1, became a matter of international concern almost a month ago, with Peng having disappeared after alleging that former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had sexually assaulted her.

She then appeared at a dinner with friends and at a children’s tennis tournament in Beijing about 10 days ago, as shown by photographs and videos published by Chinese state media, journalists and by the tournament’s organisers.

Manchester United have included huge bonuses in Ralf Rangnick’s deal to take over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Rangnick is widely expected to be confirmed as the Red Devil’s short-term replacement on an initial six-month contract. Although the German is only stepping in to keep the seat warm, he could be well rewarded financially if his short tenure proves to be a success.

The 63-year-old’s contract includes “huge” bonus clauses, if he is able to secure a top four finish and/or win the Champions League. United are currently eighth in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-placed West Ham.

They have however qualified for the Champions League knockout stages, thanks to a 2-0 away win at Villarreal. Rangnick is expected to take over the team next week after he gets his work permit, which means he will miss this weekend’s trip to table toppers Chelsea.

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has come under fire from a reporter over the German’s remark about the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which he described as a “little tournament.”

Recall that Klopp had earlier in the week been asked about the busy international fixtures that ran into March and part of his response was that in January there is a little tournament in Africa.

After Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over F.C Porto in the UEFA Champions League, an irate sports reporter speaking via video link to Klopp, demanded an apology over his comments. A surprised Klopp moved quickly to defend the statement saying he honestly did not mean it like that.

The Africa Cup of Nations will kick-off in Cameroon on January 9, with the final to be held on February 6, and Klopp is set to lose Salah, Mane, and Naby Keita to international duty.

The Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed that Super Eagles are expected to camp in Nigeria ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations barring any last-minute decision. Rohr hopes to begin camping on December 28.

Nigeria have been drawn alongside Egypt, Guinea Bissau and Sudan in Group D. The Eagles will face Egypt in their opening game on January 11 in Garoua, with Nigeria winning their most recent encounter, a 1-0 win in a friendly in 2019.

Rohr whose future as coach of the team remains in doubt despite steering the Eagles to the playoff round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers also wants to play one friendly game before they depart for the tournament. He also hinted that he may not be there for the tournament.