Robert Lewandowski: A Journey Through Records, Triumphs, and Legacy

Robert Lewandowski's career trajectory is one of relentless progression, marked by milestones that have solidified his place among the all-time greats of football. His journey from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich in 2014, following his pre-contract announcement in 2013, set the stage for a period of unprecedented success, not only for the Polish striker but also for the club he would go on to define in the years that followed.

The Arrival at Bayern Munich: A New Chapter Begins

Lewandowski's arrival at Bayern Munich was a moment of great anticipation. His signing, confirmed on January 3, 2014, after a pre-contract agreement, was a pivotal moment in the Bundesliga’s history. From the very beginning, Lewandowski's impact was undeniable. He made his competitive debut in the 2014 DFL-Supercup, a 0–2 loss to Borussia Dortmund, but it was in his second league match that his first goal for Bayern came, a crucial strike in a 1–1 draw against Schalke 04.

In the 2014–15 season, Lewandowski quickly adapted to his new environment, finishing with 25 goals in 49 matches—a solid start to what would become a legendary tenure at Bayern Munich.

Breaking Records: A Prolific Scorer

Lewandowski’s consistency and clinical nature in front of goal became his hallmark. In the 2015–16 season, he reached a historic milestone, becoming the first foreign player to score 30 goals in a Bundesliga season, a feat not achieved since Dieter Müller in 1976–77. With 42 goals in 51 matches that season, Lewandowski continued to redefine the boundaries of excellence.

By March 2017, Lewandowski reached 100 goals for Bayern in just 137 appearances, an astonishing achievement that underscored his immediate impact on the team. That season ended with 42 goals in 47 matches, a testament to his consistency at the highest level.

In the following seasons, Lewandowski maintained his goal-scoring prowess, finishing the 2017–18 Bundesliga season as the top scorer with 29 goals and the 2018–19 season with 40 goals in 47 matches. His ability to maintain such high standards year after year was unparalleled, making him a cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s success.

The Pinnacle of Success: 2019-2020

The 2019–20 season marked the zenith of Lewandowski’s career, as Bayern Munich reached the peak of their powers under coach Hansi Flick. The team's transformation from a side struggling midway through the season to an unstoppable force was epitomized by their 8–2 demolition of Barcelona in the Champions League. Lewandowski, though not scoring in the final, played a pivotal role throughout the competition, scoring 14 consecutive Champions League goals, culminating in 15 goals in the semifinal against Lyon.

This was a season of historic significance for Lewandowski. Bayern Munich not only won the Champions League, but Lewandowski became the first player in history to top the scoring charts in all three major competitions—Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal—an achievement only previously matched by Johan Cruyff in 1971–72. Lewandowski's ability to dominate on every front showcased his exceptional versatility and importance to the team.

A New Era of Records: 2020-2021

Lewandowski's goal-scoring feats continued into the 2020–21 season. In January 2021, he broke a long-standing Bundesliga record by scoring 21 goals in just 16 games, surpassing Gerd Müller’s 20 goals from the 1968–69 season. His form remained impeccable, as he reached 31 goals in just 23 Bundesliga matches by March, earning his 12th Bundesliga hat-trick in a victory over Borussia Dortmund.

By March, Lewandowski had surpassed Klaus Fischer’s 268 goals to become the second-highest scorer in Bundesliga history, further cementing his place among the league’s legends. His pursuit of Gerd Müller’s all-time record was a focal point of the season, but a knee injury in March, sustained during a World Cup qualification match against Andorra, temporarily halted his momentum.

Despite this setback, Lewandowski continued to score prolifically in the Bundesliga. With Bayern already securing their ninth consecutive title, Lewandowski’s big moment arrived in the final match of the season against Augsburg. In the 90th minute, with Bayern leading 4–2, Lewandowski scored his 48th goal of the season, surpassing Gerd Müller’s 1971–72 record of 40 goals in a Bundesliga season. This historic strike was a fitting conclusion to another remarkable campaign and underscored Lewandowski’s status as a living legend.

The Legacy of Lewandowski

Lewandowski’s career is a testament to unwavering dedication, skill, and consistency. His journey from a promising striker at Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich’s talismanic figure has been one of continuous improvement, both in terms of his goal-scoring record and his influence on the team. His ability to adapt, his hunger for success, and his resilience in the face of challenges have made him one of the most complete forwards of his generation.

Lewandowski’s achievements are not just confined to the records he has broken, but also to the indelible mark he has left on Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga. His consistency at the highest level, his ability to perform in crucial moments, and his leadership on and off the pitch make him one of the finest players to ever grace the game. As he continues to etch his name in football history, Robert Lewandowski’s legacy is one of greatness, and his journey is far from over.

 Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Tale of Bias and Redemption: Reflecting on FIFA's Awards and Football’s Legacy

 

When Lionel Messi was controversially awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or last year, many eyebrows were raised. While Messi’s brilliance is unquestionable, the 2018-19 season presented a compelling case for Virgil van Dijk, who had an impeccable campaign with Liverpool. Yet, FIFA and France Football chose the Argentine maestro over the Dutch defender, sparking debates about favouritism and commercial bias. 

Fast forward to 2020, amidst a global pandemic, France Football took the unprecedented step of cancelling the Ballon d’Or. However, other awards went ahead, and the nominations once again stoked controversy. 

When the top three finalists for FIFA’s Player of the Year were revealed, the inclusion of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo baffled many. While both players are icons of the sport, their performances during the 2019-20 season didn’t justify such recognition. Messi’s year was overshadowed by Barcelona’s dismal campaign, culminating in an 8-2 drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich. Similarly, Ronaldo, despite his individual brilliance, failed to elevate Juventus to the heights expected. 

Former footballer Dimitar Berbatov captured the sentiment succinctly in his column for Betfair: 

“I'm surprised that Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are among the finalists. I can't understand why they should fill those positions. Unfortunately, football is a business, and behind the scenes, there are agents, press, and much more beyond what we see. It's a bit embarrassing.” 

The omission of deserving players like Neymar and Manuel Neuer only deepened the scepticism. Neymar, instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s journey to the Champions League final, was conspicuously absent from both the top three and FIFA’s Best XI. Similarly, Neuer, who won the Best Goalkeeper award, found himself excluded from the FIFA XI—a glaring contradiction. 

Neymar’s brilliance in leading a historically underwhelming PSG to the cusp of European glory and Neuer’s indispensable role in Bayern Munich’s treble-winning campaign deserved greater acknowledgement. Their exclusion highlights a systemic oversight in recognizing merit over marketability. 

Even the Best Coach award was not immune to controversy. While Jurgen Klopp’s triumph with Liverpool was extraordinary, Hansi Flick’s achievements with Bayern Munich were unparalleled. Flick transformed Bayern into an unstoppable force, claiming the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League. Klopp himself seemed surprised by his victory, candidly admitting: 

 “I really think after winning the treble – German Cup, German League, and the Champions League – I thought Flick would win it, to be honest. He did an exceptional job.” 

In the end, FIFA did not completely lose sight of merit. Robert Lewandowski, Bayern’s talismanic striker, was rightfully crowned FIFA’s Best Player of the Year. His astounding tally of 55 goals in 47 appearances was pivotal in Bayern’s treble-winning season. Lewandowski not only dominated the Bundesliga but also emerged as the top scorer in the Champions League and DFB-Pokal. 

For Lewandowski, this award was both a culmination of his relentless dedication and a bittersweet consolation, given the cancellation of the Ballon d’Or—a decision he openly criticized: 

 “Maybe they decided too early because every [other] trophy has been decided. So many players, coaches, journalists know that, for me, it was the best season.” 

His victory was a refreshing departure from the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly that had dominated the awards for over a decade. It was a recognition of pure footballing merit, devoid of commercial agendas. 

As Lewandowski himself said: “Regardless of where you come from, all that matters is what you put into it.

The FIFA and Ballon d’Or awards have long been the gold standard in recognizing excellence in football. However, their credibility is increasingly questioned due to perceived biases. Rivalries like those of Messi and Ronaldo have enriched the sport but should not overshadow the achievements of equally deserving players. 

In 2020, amidst unprecedented challenges, FIFA took a step toward redemption by honouring Lewandowski. This victory is not just his but a reminder to the footballing world that greatness transcends names and narratives. 

Let this serve as a lesson: merit must always triumph over marketability, for the soul of football lies in fairness and celebration of true excellence.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Best In the Business: Robert Lewandowski Is Playing At a Different Level

 

Leon Goretzka found himself marvelling at the enigma that is Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich striker delivered a masterclass against Chelsea in the Champions League last-16 tie, contributing two goals and two assists in the second leg, following his similarly dominant display in the first leg at Stamford Bridge. Bayern cruised to a 7-1 aggregate victory, with Lewandowski firmly at the heart of their triumph.

Yet, what left Goretzka stunned was the contrast between Lewandowski’s relaxed demeanour in training and his devastating performance on matchday. Speaking to Sport1, Goretzka shared his disbelief: 

 "He’s actually a phenomenon. When I saw how he trained last week, I thought to myself: ‘Should I talk to him about why he’s not running?’ But he only said: ‘Keep calm! Saturday is important.’”

The Phenomenon of Lewandowski

Lewandowski’s confidence and ability to switch gears when it matters most underline why he is regarded as the best striker in Europe right now. His numbers speak volumes. In the Champions League this season, he has averaged an astounding 1.85 goals per game—a level of efficiency that places him in a league of his own.

While Lazio’s Ciro Immobile claimed the European Golden Boot with 36 goals to Lewandowski’s 34, the comparison reveals a deeper truth. Immobile needed 37 games to achieve his tally, while Lewandowski managed his in just 31 matches. The Pole’s 1.09 goals-per-game ratio far surpasses Immobile’s 0.97. Furthermore, the Bundesliga’s shorter season, with 34 matches compared to Serie A’s 38, highlights Lewandowski’s superior consistency and impact.

A Quest for Records

Lewandowski’s brilliance extends to Europe’s elite competition, where he is chasing history. Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 17 goals in a single Champions League season, set in 2013-14, stands as the benchmark. With 13 goals already this season, Lewandowski remains in contention, though the single-leg format introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic may limit his opportunities to surpass the record.

Nevertheless, Lewandowski’s achievements this season place him among the all-time greats. He currently sits fifth in the list of top-scoring Champions League campaigns, behind Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo’s remarkable runs of 17 goals (2013-14), 16 (2015-16), and 15 (2017-18) continue to set the standard, while Messi’s 14-goal haul in 2011-12 remains another milestone. Lewandowski, with his 13 goals, is knocking on the door of this elite company.

A Season Without a Ballon d’Or

In a season where Lewandowski has been peerless, the decision to cancel the Ballon d’Or has sparked widespread debate. France Football’s reasoning, citing the disruptions caused by the pandemic, has denied the footballing world the chance to honour its finest performers. Alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Lewandowski has been the standout player of the season, and Neymar, if he maintains his form and composure, could join them on the podium.

The absence of the Ballon d’Or is a disservice to players like Lewandowski, who have redefined excellence this season. His dominance in domestic and European competitions makes a compelling case for why the award should have been held.

The Legacy of Lewandowski

Goretzka’s anecdote encapsulates the essence of Lewandowski—a player whose calm confidence belies his ferocity on the pitch. As Bayern Munich continue their pursuit of the treble, Lewandowski remains their talisman, embodying the blend of skill, intelligence, and clinical precision that defines the modern striker.

This season may not end with a Ballon d’Or for Lewandowski, but it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the finest campaigns in the history of European football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Renaissance of the Number 9: Robert Lewandowski’s Era of Excellence

The departure of Ronaldo Nazário, affectionately known as "O Fenômeno," marked the end of an era defined by the artistry and dynamism of the classic number 9. For years, football seemed to have moved on from the flair and flexibility of strikers like Ronaldo and Andriy Shevchenko. Instead, the game embraced pressing systems, possession-based play, and tactical innovations like the false 9, which sidelined the traditional striker in favour of more versatile, goal-scoring wingers. 

The rise of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi redefined goal-scoring, pushing the boundaries of what was achievable from wide positions. These extraordinary talents overshadowed the need for a genuine centre-forward, leading many to believe that the days of the classic number 9 were over. However, in recent years, a new wave of strikers has emerged, reviving the role with a modern twist. 

Among them, Robert Lewandowski stands as the most complete and prolific embodiment of the number 9—a player who not only redefines the position but elevates it to new heights. 

The False 9 Era: A Tactical Necessity 

The dominance of the false 9 system in the past decade was not without precedent. It harkened back to the tactical genius of the Magnificent Magyars, who deployed Nándor Hidegkuti as a deep-lying forward to dismantle England at Wembley in 1953. Similarly, Brazil’s Tostão operated as a false 9 during their triumphant 1970 World Cup campaign, creating space for the likes of Pelé and Jairzinho. 

In the modern era, the false 9 re-emerged as a necessity when players like Messi and Ronaldo began dominating goal-scoring charts. Their ability to cut inside from wide positions and score with unerring consistency rendered the traditional striker redundant in many systems. Managers adapted, deploying midfielders or wingers in central roles to maximize the output of their star players. 

Yet, as football evolves, so does the need for balance. The resurgence of the genuine number 9 has brought a renewed appreciation for the role of a clinical, versatile striker. 

The Resurgence of the Number 9 

In this new age, strikers like Karim Benzema, Jamie Vardy, Ciro Immobile, and Robert Lewandowski have redefined what it means to be a number 9. These players are not merely poachers; they combine technical ability, positional intelligence, and adaptability to thrive in systems that demand more than just goal-scoring. 

Among them, Lewandowski has emerged as the paragon of excellence. The Polish striker’s performances for Bayern Munich and the national team have solidified his status as the best number 9 in the world today. 

Lewandowski: A Striker for the Ages  

At 31, Robert Lewandowski is enjoying the finest form of his career. His exploits in front of goal have reached historic levels, showcasing a blend of clinical finishing, technical brilliance, and tactical awareness. 

One of the most memorable displays of his prowess came in a Champions League group-stage match against Red Star Belgrade. In just 14 minutes and 31 seconds, Lewandowski scored four goals, a feat that left spectators and pundits alike in awe. This wasn’t an isolated incident; Lewandowski’s career is punctuated by moments of brilliance, including his legendary five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015 and a four-goal masterclass against Real Madrid in the Champions League. 

A Statistical Marvel 

Lewandowski’s numbers are staggering. In 2024, he scored 51 goals in 53 appearances for club and country, including 10 goals in just seven Champions League matches. His goals-per-minute ratio—averaging a goal every 57 minutes—outshines even the best seasons of Messi and Ronaldo. Messi’s historic 2012-13 La Liga campaign saw him score every 66 minutes, while Ronaldo’s best in 2013-14 came at 73.6 minutes per goal. Lewandowski has surpassed these benchmarks with months still left in the season. 

Evolution of a Striker 

What sets Lewandowski apart is his ability to adapt and evolve. As he ages, he has shifted from relying on intricate movements and close-range finishes to mastering long-range strikes and set-piece headers, reminiscent of Ronaldo’s transformation in his 30s. His ambidexterity and aerial prowess make him a nightmare for defenders, as Gerard Piqué aptly noted: “He can use both feet and he’s good in the air. It’s really tough when you have to mark a player that can do everything.” 

Lewandowski is not just a finisher; he is an all-round performer. He combines the cool composure of Jamie Vardy, the technical finesse of Karim Benzema, and the positional intelligence of Ciro Immobile. His ability to score in a variety of ways—whether through volleys, headers, or long-range strikes—makes him a unique asset in modern football. 

The Best Number 9 

In an era where the role of the striker has been redefined, Robert Lewandowski stands as a beacon of the classic number 9, infused with modern versatility. His consistency, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of goals have cemented his place as the best striker in the world today. 

As the season progresses, Lewandowski’s current form suggests that greater feats are yet to come. If his trajectory continues, he may well be remembered not just as the best of his generation, but as one of the greatest number 9s in the history of football. 

The renaissance of the number 9 is here, and Robert Lewandowski is leading the charge.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar