Robert Lewandowski Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 16, 2025
Few strikers in football history have combined relentless consistency, clinical finishing, and humble professionalism quite like Robert Lewandowski. As of 2025, the Polish powerhouse stands not only as one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation but as a symbol of perseverance, evolution, and excellence.
From a young athlete overlooked by top academies to the talisman of FC Barcelona, former captain of Bayern Munich, and all-time great for the Poland national team, Lewandowski’s journey is a masterclass in patience, hard work, and intelligent reinvention.
Then: The Underdog from Warsaw – A Dream Built on Grit (1988–2010)
1. Early Life and Humble Roots
Born on August 21, 1988, in Warsaw, Poland, Robert Lewandowski grew up in a modest household. His parents were both athletes—his father a judoka, his mother a handball player—instilling in him a deep respect for discipline and sport.
Unlike many elite footballers who join top academies at a young age, Lewandowski was rejected by Legia Warsaw’s youth system due to his slight build. Undeterred, he joined Delta Warsaw, a lower-tier club, where he began to develop his game.
2. Breakthrough with Znicz Pruszków and Lech Poznań
Lewandowski’s big break came in 2008 with Znicz Pruszków, a third-division club. His 15 goals in 27 appearances earned him a move to Lech Poznań, one of Poland’s top clubs.
At Lech Poznań, he exploded:
- 18 goals in 28 games during the 2009–10 season
- Won the Ekstraklasa (Polish league) title
- Named Polish Footballer of the Year
His performances caught the attention of European scouts—and one club in particular: Borussia Dortmund.
Related: Jude Bellingham Then and Now
The Rise: Bundesliga Domination and International Stardom (2010–2014)
1. Move to Borussia Dortmund – The Making of a Star
In 2010, Lewandowski signed with Borussia Dortmund for €4.75 million—a bargain that would change football history.
Under Jürgen Klopp, he became a vital part of a dynamic, high-pressing team that won back-to-back Bundesliga titles (2011, 2012) and reached the 2013 UEFA Champions League final.
His key achievements at Dortmund:
- 103 goals in 182 appearances
- Scored a hat-trick in the 2013 Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid
- First player to score four goals in a Champions League semifinal
- Known for his work rate, pressing, and intelligent movement
By 2014, he was one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
2. International Recognition with Poland
Robert Lewandowski made his senior debut for Poland in 2008 and quickly became the national team’s focal point. Despite Poland’s struggles in major tournaments early in his career, he remained a beacon of hope.
He scored 30+ international goals by 2015, becoming Poland’s all-time top scorer—a record he continues to extend.
Related: Vinícius Júnior Then and Now
Now: The Bayern Munich Dynasty and Barcelona Chapter (2014–2025)
1. Transfer to Bayern Munich – A New Era of Dominance
In 2014, as a free agent, Lewandowski joined Bayern Munich—Dortmund’s arch-rival. It was a controversial move, but it launched the most prolific phase of his career.
Over eight seasons at Bayern, he became a goal machine:
- 344 goals in 374 appearances – the second-highest scorer in club history
- Top scorer in the Bundesliga for seven consecutive seasons (2016–2022)
- Two-time FIFA Club World Cup winner (2020, 2023)
- UEFA Champions League winner (2020) – scored in the final
- Six Bundesliga titles
- Five DFB-Pokal (German Cup) wins
2. Historic 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 Seasons
Robert Lewandowski’s peak came during Bayern’s treble-winning 2019–20 season:
- 55 goals in 47 games across all competitions
- UEFA Men’s Player of the Year (2020)
- FIFA The Best Men’s Player (2020)
In 2020–21, he broke Gerd Müller’s legendary record by scoring 41 Bundesliga goals in a single season—a feat many thought impossible in the modern era.
3. Ballon d’Or Snub and Global Respect
Despite being the world’s most consistent striker, Lewandowski finished second in the 2020 and 2021 Ballon d’Or voting—behind Robert Lewandowski was widely seen as robbed, sparking global outcry and reinforcing his reputation as one of the most underrated legends of the modern game.
4. Move to FC Barcelona – Reinvention in Spain (2022–2025)
In July 2022, at age 34, Lewandowski made a surprising move to FC Barcelona for €45 million—a bold step in the twilight of his career.
Critics questioned his pace and adaptability. But Lewandowski responded with poise and precision:
- 23 goals in 36 games (2022–23)
- Pichichi Trophy runner-up (La Liga top scorer)
- 20 goals in 2023–24 season, proving he could thrive in a rebuild
At Barcelona, he evolved into a false nine, using his intelligence, hold-up play, and aerial ability to mentor young stars like Gavi, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal.
He became not just a scorer—but a father figure and leader in the dressing room.
Related: Kevin De Bruyne Then and Now
International Career: Poland’s Eternal Captain
1. Leading the National Team
Lewandowski has earned over 150 caps for Poland and scored 80+ international goals—making him one of the top scorers in men’s international football history.
Key moments:
- UEFA Euro 2016 and 2020 – Poland’s main threat
- FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2022 – carried the team with goals and leadership
- Scored in three consecutive World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026 qualifiers)
Though Poland has yet to reach a semifinal in his era, Lewandowski remains their greatest ever player and a national hero.
2. Legacy in Polish Sport
In Poland, he is more than a footballer—he’s a cultural icon. Statues have been proposed, schools named after him, and he’s frequently cited as a role model for youth. He’s also an ambassador for UNICEF Poland and supports various charitable causes.
Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Then and Now
Playing Style and Evolution
Lewandowski’s greatness lies in his adaptability and intelligence:
- Early career: A traditional poacher, reliant on pace and finishing
- Bayern years: A complete striker—strong in the air, excellent at pressing, and capable of scoring from anywhere
- Barcelona era: A tactical leader, using positioning, link-up play, and experience to dominate
He’s known for:
- Left-footed precision
- Aerial dominance
- Clinical finishing with both feet and head
- Relentless pressing from the front
- Consistency across leagues and systems
He has scored hat-tricks in the Bundesliga, La Liga, Champions League, and international football—a rare feat.
Related: Mohamed Salah Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Lewandowski is married to Anna Stachurska, a former professional handball player. The couple has two daughters and is known for their strong family values and humility.
Off the pitch, he is:
- Deeply religious
- Advocates for healthy living and mental wellness
- Known for his professionalism, punctuality, and team-first attitude
He rarely engages in controversy, letting his performances speak for themselves.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Robert Lewandowski’s career is a testament to what can be achieved through consistency, intelligence, and quiet determination. In an era of flashy stars and social media fame, he stands out for his substance over style.
He has:
- Inspired a generation of Polish and Eastern European players
- Proven that greatness doesn’t require hype—just daily excellence
- Redefined what it means to be a modern center forward
He’s often compared to legends like Gerd Müller, Ronaldo Nazário, and Thierry Henry—and by many metrics, he belongs in their company.
Related: Lionel Messi Then and Now
Conclusion: Robert Lewandowski – Then and Now
- Then: A skinny teenager from Warsaw, rejected by top academies, fighting to prove himself in Poland’s lower leagues.
- Now: A five-time UEFA Champions League finalist, two-time FIFA The Best winner, 80+ international goalscorer, and one of the most prolific strikers in football history.
Robert Lewandowski’s journey is not a story of sudden stardom—it’s a slow burn of relentless improvement, resilience, and quiet dominance.
He didn’t need viral moments or flashy celebrations.
He scored.
He led.
He endured.
And in doing so, he became immortal.
As he continues to perform at the highest level—now mentoring the next generation at Barcelona—one truth remains:
Robert Lewandowski isn’t just a goalscorer.
He’s a legend.
⚽ “Success is not a moment. It’s a thousand mornings when you chose to train instead of rest.” – Robert Lewandowski