Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is no stranger to comparisons with football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. After his phenomenal 2019-20 season with Bayern Munich, which saw him scoring an astounding 55 goals and helping the club secure the treble, the debate about where he stands among the greats was inevitable. However, Lewandowski’s humble response to these comparisons is a testament to his grounded personality and respect for the game.
Lewandowski’s Historic 2019-20 Season with Bayern Munich
During the 2019-20 season, Lewandowski was nothing short of spectacular. Under the management of Hansi Flick, Bayern Munich swept through the competition to win the Bundesliga, the DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. Lewandowski’s contributions were monumental—scoring 55 goals in 47 matches and providing 10 assists. It was his best-ever season and one that firmly established him as one of the most lethal forwards of his generation.
Despite being widely regarded as the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, the prestigious award was canceled due to COVID-19, leaving Lewandowski without the recognition that many felt he deserved. Instead, he was named the FIFA Men’s Best Player, solidifying his place among football’s elite.
Lewandowski on Comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo: A Unique Take
While Lewandowski’s achievements are undeniable, the inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo arose, given his stellar form. In an interview with France Football in December 2020, Lewandowski was asked about his thoughts on being compared to two of the greatest footballers of all time.
“Messi and Ronaldo have been sitting at the same table, at the top, for a very long time, and that’s what makes them incomparable. So to answer your question, I can’t imagine myself next to them in this point of view.”
But Lewandowski also acknowledged his own consistency over the years:
“That said, if you take the numbers for this year and even previous ones, I think I’m pretty good in terms of performance and goals scored. Failing to be at the same table as Messi and Ronaldo, I think I can invite them to eat at mine.”
Messi and Ronaldo: Football’s Dominant Duo
For two decades, Messi and Ronaldo have reigned supreme, accumulating a combined 13 Ballons d’Or between them—Messi with eight and Ronaldo with five. Their ability to maintain world-class performances year after year is unparalleled, making them almost untouchable in football’s modern era.
Lewandowski, who has seen his own career flourish alongside these titans, is well aware of their influence on the game. However, what makes his stance so remarkable is the respect he extends toward both players while subtly recognizing his place in the conversation.
The Messi vs. Ronaldo Debate: Lewandowski’s Diplomatic Approach
In 2021, during an interview with Sport Bild, Lewandowski was asked to weigh in on the ever-present Messi vs. Ronaldo debate. Avoiding any favoritism, the Polish striker diplomatically acknowledged the strengths of both players:
“I respect Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard work. For Messi, everything looks easy. I think Cristiano had to work harder for his success.”
This balanced take highlights Lewandowski’s deep understanding of the sport. He appreciates Ronaldo’s dedication and relentless work ethic while recognizing Messi’s natural talent and effortless grace on the field. It’s an insight that resonates with football fans and pundits alike, as it encapsulates the very essence of what makes Messi and Ronaldo so special, despite their contrasting styles.
Lewandowski and the 2021 Ballon d’Or Controversy
Although Lewandowski had a career-defining season in 2020, he was again a top contender for the Ballon d’Or in 2021. However, he narrowly lost to Lionel Messi, who clinched his seventh Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to a Copa América victory.
In his acceptance speech, Messi graciously acknowledged Lewandowski’s brilliance, even advocating for him to receive the award for 2020:
“I’d like to mention Robert, it’s been a real honor to compete with him. I think France Football should award you your 2020 Ballon d’Or, you deserved it.”
Lewandowski later expressed his gratitude for Messi’s words, showing his appreciation for the Argentine’s class and sportsmanship. Though he did not win the award in 2021, Messi’s gesture was a nod to the respect Lewandowski commands on the global stage.
Lewandowski’s Legacy: A Modern Great Among Legends
As Robert Lewandowski continues his journey at Barcelona, Messi’s former club, following his transfer from Bayern Munich in 2022, his career remains a testament to hard work, consistency, and unrelenting passion for the game. While he may never sit “at the same table” as Messi and Ronaldo in his own words, Lewandowski’s career and accomplishments speak for themselves.
The Polish striker’s humility, despite his record-breaking numbers, sets him apart in the footballing world. Whether or not he is awarded a Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski’s place in football history is undeniable. He may not want to join Messi and Ronaldo at their table, but if his performance continues at this level, they might just want an invite to his.
In a world where comparisons often dominate sports discussions, Robert Lewandowski stands out for his humility and sportsmanship. While he acknowledges the greatness of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he remains focused on his own journey and contributions to the game.
His legendary 2019-20 season, his continued excellence at Barcelona, and his well-earned respect from football’s biggest stars all ensure that Lewandowski’s name will be remembered as one of the modern greats. Whether or not he wins the Ballon d’Or, his legacy is cemented—and he’ll always have a table ready for Messi and Ronaldo, should they ever want to join him.
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