As Robert Lewandowski and FC Barcelona gear up to face off against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarterfinals, the spotlight shines bright on the Polish striker’s incredible journey. From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest goal-scorers in the world, Lewandowski’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering passion for the beautiful game.
In a recent article, Goal.com paid tribute to Lewandowski’s remarkable achievements, drawing parallels between him and football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The publication’s writers marvel at the 36-year-old’s ability to perform at an elite level, defying the conventional wisdom that a player’s prime years are behind them by the time they reach their mid-30s.
Lewandowski’s stats are simply staggering. With 38 goals in all competitions this season, he continues to terrorize defenders across Europe. His incredible form has seen him become the third player in Champions League history to score over 100 goals, joining the exclusive club alongside Messi and Ronaldo.
What sets Lewandowski apart is his age. While most players begin to decline in their mid-30s, the Polish striker shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he’s still very much in the running for the Golden Boot, trailing only Mohamed Salah by two goals. To put this into perspective, Ronaldo won his fourth and final Golden Boot at the age of 30, while Messi clinched his last of six at 31.
Lewandowski’s stats in the Champions League are equally impressive. Since turning 36, he’s scored 9 goals, a feat that eluded even the great Ronaldo, who managed just six goals in two seasons at the same age. Messi, meanwhile, failed to score a single goal in the Champions League after turning 31.
The numbers are unequivocal: Lewandowski is a world-class phenomenon, and his ability to perform at an elite level well into his 30s is a testament to his dedication, work ethic, and natural talent. As the football world continues to marvel at his achievements, one thing is clear – Robert Lewandowski is a force to be reckoned with, and his name deserves to be mentioned alongside the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the game.
Sources:
* Goal.com: „Robert Lewandowski is timeless! Veteran Barcelona star outshines Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with Champions League exploits at 36”
* UEFA Champions League: All-time top scorers
* Transfermarkt: Robert Lewandowski’s stats and achievements