An ode to Robert Lewandowski, the striker who put Barcelona ‘back where they belong’

When Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski in the summer time of 2022, it raised loads of questions.

The Catalans had been bringing in a 33-year-old striker who was arguably previous his prime on a four-year deal. They paid Bayern Munich an preliminary €45million ($52m; £39m) for the Poland worldwide at a time of monetary strife, regardless of the veteran solely having a yr left on his deal.

Lewandowski had gained nearly every thing there was to win. He had been the Bundesliga’s prime scorer for seven years in a row and only Gerd Muller had scored more than his 344 goals in a Bayern shirt. But there have been no scarcity of individuals in soccer who noticed Lewandowski’s transfer to Barca as one final paycheck in a glittering profession.

Four years later, the 37-year-old is leaving Barcelona as one among the greatest strikers of their fashionable historical past.

There is a case to be made that he’s behind different legendary forwards corresponding to Luis Suarez and Samuel Eto’o due to a scarcity of European silverware. But Lewandowski has carried out one thing particular. He arrived when Barca had been misplaced and didn’t know where they had been headed. Today, as he wrote in his farewell Instagram submit, “Barca is back where it belongs.”

In his 4 seasons in Spain, Lewandowski has gained three La Liga titles — greater than Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his 9 campaigns at Real Madrid. You can add a Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups to that trophy assortment.

Then there is his ridiculous goal return: 119 objectives in 191 video games, placing him in Barca’s prime 15 scorers of all time, together with 24 assists.

There is rather a lot to reward about his character given the problem he has accepted. Lewandowski joined the yr after Barca had misplaced their all-time prime scorer Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain on a free switch. The membership had navigated a tough 2021-22 season through which even qualifying for the Champions League was seen as a hit.

Club president Joan Laporta believed Barca lacked a marketable star, a franchise participant who the membership may pin their hopes on — on the pitch however commercially, too. Laporta explored the market and, as quickly as he realized Lewandowski was a risk, he didn’t hesitate.

He was unveiled in Barcelona in August 2022. More than 57,000 followers attended the occasion at the Camp Nou, the sort of expectation solely star signings of the previous corresponding to Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry generated.

It did not take lengthy for him to make an affect — Barca gained La Liga in his debut season, through which Lewandowski was the prime scorer with 23 objectives. A run of 13 objectives in his first 12 league video games set the tone and ensured his aspect gained silverware for the first time since Messi’s exit.

In his press convention earlier than Sunday’s recreation in opposition to Real Betis — Lewandowski’s last at the Camp Nou — head coach Hansi Flick highlighted his management and mentoring of younger gamers.

“It has been a privilege to work with him,” the German stated. “He is a professional player of the highest level. Every day he does the best for his body, to be at the highest level. He is a perfect role model for younger players and this mentality is the reason why he can play here now.”

His intelligence to adapt to a brand new period has maybe been undervalued. Lewandowski’s second season at the membership ended with none trophies, however noticed the emergence of one among the greatest youth generations in the membership’s historical past. Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi broke into the first-team in 2023-24; the unprecedented rise of Yamal made Barca rethink their assault.

Lewandowski was mature sufficient to see what was taking place, the expertise Barca had at their disposal and what was wanted to greatest assist the crew.

Robert Lewandowski understood how greatest to assist Lamine Yamal and Barcelona’s different younger abilities (Cristina Quicler/AFP by way of Getty Images)

Since Flick’s appointment in 2024, Lewandowski has by no means been the crew’s predominant star in assault; Yamal, Pedri and even Raphinha have taken on extra duty. But they wouldn’t have gained the trophies they have carried out over the previous two seasons with out him.

Now it looks like the proper time for each side to go their separate methods. The ahead leaves having been an necessary a part of the crew in a La Liga-winning season, whereas the membership are ready to take into consideration his long-term alternative. Flick has concerned Lewandowski much less and fewer in his beginning line-up this season — 14 of his 29 league appearances have been from the bench.

“It’s his decision to move now, but it can be good for him and also for the club so we can restructure the team a little bit,” Flick added.

Barca have a desired succession plan in thoughts, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez as their prime precedence this summer time. Behind him, Joao Pedro of Chelsea and Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen are different forwards being monitored by sporting director Deco. It stays to be seen whether or not Barca can persuade any of them to be a part of—and if they can afford them. It is known Chelsea usually are not prepared to entertain any provides for Joao Pedro, for example.

Offloading Lewandowski additionally takes one among the squad’s largest salaries off the books, though this may hardly have any affect on their La Liga-imposed wage restrict.

Lewandowski’s contract had not been factored into subsequent season’s planning, given it expires on June 30, so it won’t symbolize any sort of financial savings on their funds for the 2026-27 season. Barca are nonetheless working above their restrict, making it exhausting for them to function usually in the switch market.

As for Lewandowski’s future, the subsequent few weeks must be key in revealing his subsequent step, though the striker hinted at what may comply with in an interview with Polish TV station Eleven Sports final week.

“There is the option of going to a league of a lower level,” he stated. “I am almost 38 (he will turn that age in August) but I feel fine physically and I am considering it. This might be the time to play and enjoy life.”

TheAthletic previously reported interest from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire whereas sources from the participant’s camp — who requested to stay nameless to shield relationships — say Saudi Pro League sides would really like to signal him.

He is unlikely to be in need of choices. And, if he intends to return to Catalonia when he’s completed, he shall be warmly welcomed again as the membership legend he’s.