Lewa not surprised by average: 'I've been working hard for this since I was 21'

Robert Lewandowski has shared his perspective on the 'stories' about his age. The Barcelona striker, thanks to his two goals against Girona, is now having his most productive La Liga season so far. The Pole remains in contention for the Golden Boot.

SoccerDino, Website Writer
Published: 11:45, 31 Mar 2025

Barcelona’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Girona on Sunday was yet another showcase of Robert Lewandowski’s enduring excellence.

The 36-year-old striker delivered a standout performance, scoring two of Barcelona’s four goals, once again proving that age has done little to diminish his sharpness and clinical finishing. In a game that saw Barcelona break Girona’s resistance in the second half, Lewandowski’s contributions were pivotal. The veteran forward's brace highlighted not only his technical prowess but also his intelligence and ability to position himself perfectly in the box.

This latest performance brought Lewandowski’s tally to 25 La Liga goals this season, surpassing his previous best season at Barcelona during the 2022/23 campaign, where he scored 23 goals. Remarkably, Lewandowski achieved this feat with a significant portion of the season still remaining, which only further underlines his incredible consistency and drive to maintain his elite standards.

Despite nearing what many would consider the twilight years of a footballer’s career, Lewandowski has shown no signs of slowing down. His longevity and ability to remain at the top of his game have drawn admiration from both teammates and pundits alike. “I know that many people talk about my age, but I always say that I’ve worked very hard since I was 21 or 22 to be able to play at the highest level for as long as possible,” Lewandowski explained in an interview with AS. His dedication to maintaining peak physical condition is evident, and his meticulous approach to training and preparation continues to pay dividends.

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has also praised Lewandowski’s professionalism and impact on the team. “He’s a leader both on and off the pitch. His experience, his quality, and his hunger to keep scoring goals are invaluable to us,” Xavi stated during a post-match interview. The Barcelona coach’s tactical setup has provided Lewandowski with ample opportunities to thrive, especially with creative talents like Pedri and Gavi supplying him from midfield.

Furthermore, Lewandowski’s presence in the dressing room has been a positive influence on the club’s younger players. According to sources close to the team, the Polish forward’s work ethic and commitment are viewed as exemplary, setting a high standard for those around him. Despite being one of the oldest players in the squad, Lewandowski continues to train with the same intensity and determination that have characterized his career since his early days in Poland.

Statistically, Lewandowski’s performances remain impressive. With 25 goals already scored this season, he is not only Barcelona’s leading scorer but also one of the most prolific forwards in Europe’s top leagues. His goal-scoring average is particularly notable, as it rivals the output of many younger strikers who are considered to be at their physical peak.

“If you look at my statistics, there’s no difference between my numbers from a few years ago and now,” Lewandowski stated confidently. “But for me, the team is the most important. If we are as focused as we were today, we are just very dangerous.” This humility and team-first mentality have endeared him to Barcelona fans, who have quickly come to appreciate the professionalism and dedication he brings to the club.

The Golden Boot race continues to be an intriguing subplot to Lewandowski’s season. Currently, the Barcelona striker is trailing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah by just two goals. Despite this, Lewandowski has made it clear that personal accolades are not his primary motivation. “As a striker, scoring is obviously important because it gives me confidence, and in my mind, everything revolves around scoring goals, but ultimately, it’s mostly about winning matches,” he said. Such statements highlight his team-oriented approach, a quality that has made him a favorite among his teammates and coaches alike.

However, it is evident that Lewandowski’s hunger for success remains as strong as ever. His pursuit of the Golden Boot is not merely about individual glory but rather a testament to his relentless desire to continue competing at the highest level. The fact that he is still capable of producing such remarkable numbers at the age of 36 is a reflection of both his natural talent and his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona also remains a point of interest. Despite his age, the club sees him as an integral part of their ongoing project. His leadership, experience, and consistency provide a solid foundation for Xavi’s plans, and there is no indication that his role within the squad will diminish any time soon.

Analysts have noted that Lewandowski’s adaptability has been one of the key factors behind his success. Over the years, he has refined his game to suit different systems and styles of play. While once known primarily for his lethal finishing ability, he has evolved into a more complete forward, capable of dropping deep to link play or drifting wide to create space for teammates. This versatility has made him an invaluable asset for Barcelona, particularly during periods when the team has struggled to break down stubborn defenses.

As the season progresses, Lewandowski’s contributions will be crucial to Barcelona’s ambitions both domestically and internationally. While the Golden Boot remains a possibility, the Polish forward’s primary focus will undoubtedly be on helping his team secure silverware. With Barcelona in contention for multiple trophies, Lewandowski’s experience and goal-scoring ability could prove to be decisive.

The ongoing debate surrounding his age seems almost trivial when compared to the consistent excellence he continues to demonstrate on the pitch. For Lewandowski, the motivation to keep performing at the highest level is rooted in his love for the game and his relentless desire to improve. As long as those qualities remain intact, it is difficult to see his form declining any time soon.

The latest brace against Girona serves as a reminder that Lewandowski remains one of the world’s premier strikers. Despite the passing years, his quality, determination, and hunger for success continue to drive him forward. As he edges closer to yet another milestone in his remarkable career, Lewandowski’s message is clear: he’s far from finished.

Updated: 11:45, 31 Mar 2025