Robert Lewandowski’s time at FC Barcelona has been marked by his spectacular goalscoring output, even after becoming a member of the membership at age 33. Nevertheless, it has not too long ago been revealed that, in an effort to keep away from monetary pressure, Barcelona made an uncommon request to the Polish star: they requested him to cease scoring objectives.
Now 37, Lewandowski is having fun with the ultimate years of his skilled profession whereas increasing his presence as an envoy for Poland, not too long ago touring to Manhattan to go to the Empire State Constructing in celebration of Poland’s Independence Day. One other spotlight this yr was the discharge of his biography, “Lewandowski. Prawdziwy” (“Lewandowski. The Actual One”).
Within the e-book, writer Sebastian Staszewski recounts that in the course of the 2022–23 season a Barcelona govt approached Lewandowski with a proposal that left him speechless. “Robert, we wish you to cease scoring objectives within the last matches.” The participant checked out him in disbelief. Though the league title was already determined, in addition to the top-scorer award, in additional than a decade enjoying on the highest stage, nobody had ever requested him to cease scoring a purpose in his whole profession,” the e-book learn.
The context behind the request was monetary. Barcelona was obligated to pay Bayern Munich a €2.5 million bonus if Lewandowski reached 25 objectives within the La Liga marketing campaign. With the title already clinched and the striker sitting on 23 objectives late within the season, the membership hoped to keep away from further funds that might additional pressure its delicate funds.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona have fun with the La Liga trophy.
Within the last two matchdays, a 3-0 win over Mallorca and a 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo, Lewandowski performed the complete 90 minutes in each matches however didn’t rating. Because of this, Barcelona prevented triggering the €2.5 million bonus, on high of the €45 million payment already paid for his switch and the membership’s broader monetary difficulties on the time (which persist as we speak).
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The 2022–23 season, Lewandowski’s lone Pichichi marketing campaign
Sarcastically, regardless of Barcelona’s uncommon request, the 2022–23 marketing campaign ended up being Lewandowski’s solely season successful the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s high scorer. His 23 objectives have been sufficient to complete forward of Actual Madrid’s Karim Benzema (19) and Espanyol’s Joselu (16).
Since then, Lewandowski has continued to attain persistently for Barcelona however has fallen in need of one other Pichichi title. He netted 19 objectives within the 2023–24 season, and 27 in 2024–25, however was outpaced by Kylian Mbappé, who completed with 31.
