Passing the Torch? FC Barcelona Striker Lewandowski Opens Up on Losing Penalty Duties to Lamine Yamal

Tom SandersonTom Sanderson
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At a glance

  • Now on international duty with Poland, FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski hinted that he could be low on confidence.
  • The number 9 has had reduced minutes in 2025/2026, though injuries have also played their part in a lesser role.
  • Hansi Flick’s striker also touched on the future, amid his current contract expiring on June 30, 2026.

FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski hinted that his confidence could be lower than usual while on international duty with Poland, in comments carried by a number of outlets including SPORT.

The Pole has fallen down the penalty taking pecking order at Barça, with Lamine Yamal converting a decisive spot kick to make it 3-2 on the stroke of half time in the recent Champions League last 16 second leg battle with Newcastle United.

Those in attendance for the match at the Spotify Camp Nou, including ReadBarcelona, could hear groans every time Lewandowski showed his age and failed to connect with passes or score from close range.

In one of the latter instances, he allowed the ball to slip under his foot before Lamine then skied it into the upper tier of the Gol Sud.

And though Lewandowski did end up with a brace in the eventual 7-2 win, he is clearly not the killer in the box as seen in days of old.

“It’s obvious that sometimes when you lack confidence, there’s a moment of hesitation and decisions are made on the pitch,” Lewandowski said, when asked about not being Hansi Flick’s first choice penalty taker. 

“There are players who take penalties well. I’m ready, but when you feel that you lack minutes, confidence, feelings, rhythm, it’s better to choose the best for the team. And whoever feels better, it turns out that they are the ones who take the penalties.”

Lewandowski still hasn’t made his mind up about his FC Barcelona future

Receiving two offers from Turkey according to sources in his homeland, Lewandowski stressed that he still hasn’t made his mind up about possibly leaving Catalonia, which he’s called home since a €50 million move from Bayern Munich in 2022.

For that same amount, €50 million, the 37-year-old has been offered a two-year deal by Bestikas. But he is still waiting until May to come to a conclusion, or at least announce what he wants to do.

“Regarding my future at Barcelona, what I said hasn’t changed. I’m taking my time deciding what’s best for me. I haven’t made any decision,” he clearly stated, while taking a similar stance on whether he will step away from the Poland national team after the upcoming World Cup, which kicks off on June 11th.

That’s providing his country qualifies, however, given a touch playoff semi-final against Albania awaits on March 26.

Lewandowski’s comments should be seen in a positive light

Rather than worrying Culers that Lewandowski has lost his fire, his remarks should instead be taken as confessions from a team player who doesn’t mind others sharing the limelight.

A born winner with nothing to prove, ‘Lewa’ will please Flick with his words, which are communicative of a positive spirit in the Barça locker room at a crucial point of the season.

Tom Sanderson is a senior football correspondent that has lived in Catalonia for almost seven years, for the duration of which he has been Forbes' lead expert writer on FC Barcelona providing news, analysis and features. He's currently in his eighth season covering the club which also includes attending matches home and away, press events and conferences, and training sessions amid appearing in a BBC Sport documentary on El Clasico. Before that, he lived in São Paulo for six years where he became, and still is, The Guardian's lead reporter on Brazilian football and social issues. Other notable work includes being appointed Daily Mail's first-ever Spanish language content editor in its sports department. Find him up in the Press Box at the Spotify Camp Nou or behind the Gol Sud with loved ones.

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