Frank Christian
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski has shared his ongoing disappointment about not winning the 2020 Ballon d’Or.
That year, the award was not presented due to the Covid-19 crisis, despite Lewandowski being the front-runner for his first Ballon d’Or.
As a result, Lionel Messi maintained his title from 2019 after France Football opted against a remote presentation.
During the 2019/20 season, Lewandowski achieved a remarkable 55 goals in all competitions, helping Bayern Munich secure a treble with Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and UEFA Champions League titles.
Despite his exceptional performance outperforming his competitors, the lack of the award has left an unfilled space in his collection, which he frequently comments on.
Previously, Lewandowski’s highest finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings was fourth in 2015, followed by a runner-up position to Messi in 2021.
At 36, the Polish striker remains a top performer, scoring 19 goals in 17 matches for Barcelona this season. However, the absence of recognition for 2020 still troubles him.
“At the time, I couldn’t grasp the reasoning. All leagues and the Champions League were active, so it felt unfair. Football often intertwines with politics, and where there’s business, there are politics,” he expressed during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“(Would I accept the 2020 award now?) Absolutely.”
Looking ahead, Lewandowski may activate a clause that would extend his contract with Barcelona until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Currently, Barcelona holds a six-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, making Lewandowski’s contributions vital for pursuing another league title.
