Right-Wing - Cristiano Ronaldo
2021 is a year where Cristiano Ronaldo may not have won too many team trophies. Ronaldo's best moment was arguably his homecoming which finally saw him return to Manchester United. But before that, the Portuguese set some unique records at his now-former club, Juventus.
Ronaldo became the first player to win all domestic trophies in England, Spain and Italy when he lifted the Coppa Italia with Juventus this year. His 29 goals in the league were enough to win him the top scorer trophy, making him the first footballer to do so in England, Spain and Italy.
Ronaldo's Euro title defense with Portugal may not have been fruitful, but the 36-year-old did win the Golden Boot at the tournament. He has started steadily at Manchester United and fans will hope Ronaldo produces similar performances once again.
Left Wing - Kylian Mbappe
Will Kylian Mbappe join Real Madrid, or will PSG keep him? This may have been the news making headlines, but the Frenchman managed another big season for PSG in the background. There were goals and assists galore for Mbappe as he showcased that transfer rumors were not enough to distract him.
However, there were moments of sadness in 2021 as well. Mbappe was largely ineffective for France throughout Euro 2020. His missed penalty also resulted in Switzerland knocking out Les Bleus in the tournament.
PSG failed to win Ligue 1 as well, only collecting one out of three domestic titles. However, Mbappe has begun the new campaign on the right foot and will hope to win both Ligue 1 and the Champions League with this time around.
Center Forward - Robert Lewandowski
Whether Robert Lewandowski should have won the 2021 Ballon D'Or or not will be a debate for years to come. But there is no debating Lewandowski's presence in the IFFHS men's football XI in 2021.
The Polish international may not have achieved much for the country at Euro 2020 but he was on a different level altogether for Bayern Munich.
Lewandowski finished the 2020-21 season with a staggering 48 goals. His club-wise accomplishments may have been reduced in 2021 as Bayern missed out on the DFB-Pokal and Champions League. But the Polish goal machine has started the new season from where he ended the previous campaign.
It remains to be seen if 'Lewangoalski' can better his 2021 performances and maybe even win the Ballon D'Or next term.