Lewandowski Defies Time: Still Delivering as He Eyes Barcelona’s Next Chapter

Lewandowski defends his form as age becomes a talking point

Polish forward Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona's talisman, says he still has plenty to offer on the pitch, insisting that those who fixate on his age overlook his level and numbers.

Contract advances and a looming crossroads

In recent days, rumors about Lewandowski's future have swirled, with his Barcelona contract set to run until June 30, 2026, and the 38-year-old approaching his August birthday. The season has seen some of his shine fade, but the reasons are nuanced and not simply a question of age.

Defending his pace and hunger

In Poland, the veteran striker defended himself, stating that age does not prevent continued excellence on the field. In a TVP Sport interview after Poland beat Lithuania, in which he scored one goal, Lewandowski said, "I feel I still have a lot to offer," noting that that goal took his international tally to 87.

The captain addressed critics who doubt his ability to contribute, saying: "When some seek reasons to diminish me, they say I am old, that I no longer run much, or that I lack desire or effort." That's nonsense, he added. Anyone can see the distances he covers in matches and how often he sprints. He acknowledges minutes can be managed as he ages, but it's natural over a season.

The Barça star continued: "I know I must manage my effort, but I give my best in training. I don't see myself as a victim of age; I am healthy. I don't expect to play 90 minutes every game, and I may view football a bit differently now, but as soon as I'm on the pitch I know I can compete."

He concluded: "There's not much difference, because I'm still in excellent physical shape and show it in training daily. I'm not a player who hides during sessions, so I feel I still have a lot to offer."

Future and legacy: what lies ahead for Lewandowski

Meanwhile, his future remains uncertain. The Polish star, who has played 123 Barca matches and scored over 60 goals, has not yet decided whether to extend for another year or consider retirement in Catalonia, a choice his family leans toward, especially wife Anna with media and sports ties in the region.

Sport newspaper Sport notes that Barca briefly considered renewing for one year before selling him to a Gulf club, but that scenario cooled in recent weeks given Lewandowski's reluctance to move to Arab leagues. If he leaves, he would prefer Ligue 1 or Serie A, with limited interest from Monaco and Inter Milan.

Meanwhile, Barça continues to scout Africa, long a source of talents who left meaningful marks in the club's history. Since Cameroonian Eto'o, who scored 130 goals in five seasons and helped win a historic sextuple in 2009, African players have been part of Camp Nou's history. Yaya Touré, who played from 2007 to 2010 and helped Barça win the Champions League, Mali's Seydou Keita for discipline and versatility, and Cameroonian Alex Song, who joined in 2012 from Arsenal but failed to command a place, illustrate the era's diversity.

From Eto'o to Keita and Touré, Africans embodied Barça's values of strength, discipline and talent. Today, Barça might see a young talent as a potential heir to this legacy, a blend of physical power and tactical flexibility suited to the club's current philosophy, while seeking to renew financially and athletically. Lewandowski's departure would symbolize a milestone between eras and a push for fresh firepower.

A remarkable career

Lewandowski remains one of the most prolific forwards in modern football, leaving a lasting mark wherever he played. He began his professional journey in Poland with Znicz Pruszków, then Lech Poznań, before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2010, under Jürgen Klopp, contributing to back-to-back German titles and scoring over 100 goals in four seasons.

He then joined Bayern Munich in 2014, reaching career heights with 344 goals in 375 games, eight Bundesliga titles and the 2020 Champions League, where he finished as the competition's top scorer. He moved to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for about €45 million and promptly proved his prowess, scoring 33 goals in 46 games in his first season and helping the team clinch La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

All told, his Barça tally surpassed 60 goals across more than 120 appearances.

Punchlines: If aging were a sport, Lewandowski would still be sprinting laps around Father Time; and when critics claim he’s slowing down, he simply redefines “full throttle” on the pitch. And yes, if you think you’re too old to chase dreams, remember: the only thing older than you is the memory of your youth—he’s still chasing it with a smile.