Ballon d’Or 2023: Lewandowski’s Journey to the Top
From his humble beginnings in Poland to becoming a global football sensation, Robert Lewandowski’s journey to Ballon d’Or 2023 nomination has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Warsaw, Lewandowski began his professional career with Polish clubs Znicz Pruszków and Lech Poznań, where he showcased his goal-scoring prowess and caught the attention of European scouts.
“When I was six, I remember Roberto Baggio at the 1994 World Cup. When I was between 10 and 14, Alessandro Del Piero was the best player for me. Then my idol was Thierry Henry. He was amazing – it wasn’t just how he scored the goals but what he did for the team.”
Robert Lewandowski on his childhood role models
Ballon d’Or 2023: Dortmund Days – The Rise of a Star
Lewandowski’s move to Borussia Dortmund under Jürgen Klopp was a turning point in his career. Here, he blossomed into one of Europe’s elite strikers, helping Dortmund clinch two Bundesliga titles and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2013.
Bayern Munich: A Bavarian Behemoth
Joining Bayern Munich further elevated Lewandowski’s status. He netted over 100 goals for the Bavarian giants, clinching multiple Bundesliga titles. His 2019-2020 season was particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in Bayern’s treble-winning campaign and was honored with the Best FIFA Men’s Player and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards.
The 2020 Ballon d’Or Controversy: Was Lewandowski Robbed?
The Ballon d’Or, one of football’s most prestigious individual awards, has seen its fair share of controversies over the years. After securing fourth place in 2015, 2020 was truly his year. However, the 2020 edition stands out as one of the most debated in recent memory, primarily due to the exceptional performance of Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski’s Stellar 2020 Performance
In 2020, Lewandowski was the linchpin of Bayern Munich’s treble-winning campaign, leading them to victory in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and the UEFA Champions League. His impeccable form and goal-scoring prowess didn’t go unnoticed. He was honored with the Best FIFA Men’s Player and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards. By all accounts, he seemed poised to clinch the Ballon d’Or.
The Unexpected Cancellation
However, in a twist, the Ballon d’Or was cancelled for the year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This decision by UEFA left many fans and pundits in disbelief, especially given Lewandowski’s standout season.
Messi’s Acknowledgment
The debate took another turn in 2021 when Lionel Messi, upon winning the Ballon d’Or, openly stated that Lewandowski deserved the 2020 award. Messi’s acknowledgment was significant, given that he himself is a multiple-time winner of the accolade. He said, “Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or. Last year, everyone was in agreement to say that you were the big winner of this award.”
France Football’s Gesture
In a move seen by many as an attempt to make amends, France Football, the organization behind the Ballon d’Or, introduced a new Striker of the Year award in 2021, which they awarded to Lewandowski. While it was a recognition of his talents, it wasn’t the Ballon d’Or he arguably should have received the previous year.
The Narrow Margin in 2021
Before his Ballon d’Or 2023, further fueling the debate, the 2021 Ballon d’Or voting revealed a narrow margin between Messi and Lewandowski. Messi secured 613 points, while Lewandowski was close behind with 580. This close tally only intensified discussions about the previous year’s cancellation.
Lewandowski’s ironic remark about the 2022 Ballon d’Or:
Barcelona: A New Challenge
Lewandowski’s recent move to Spain to don the iconic blaugrana Barcelona jersey has added another exciting chapter to his illustrious career. As he continues to excel in La Liga, there’s no doubt that he is a key player in Barcelona’s pursuit of domestic glory. Being the top scorer of the championship with a remarkable tally of 36 goals and 11 assists, he is pivotal to their success.
Lewandowski wins 2022 Gerd Müller Award
As the Ballon d’Or 2023 draws near, remember that Lewandowski secured the 2022 Gerd Müller Award for the world’s premier striker at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris the previous year.
His remarkable achievement can be attributed to his stellar performance in his final season with Bayern Munich, netting an impressive 50 goals in just 43 matches. Moreover, since his move to Barça, Lewandowski has continued to showcase his goal-scoring finesse, tallying 14 goals in 13 matches across all competitions for the Blaugrana.
Leading Poland on the Global Stage
On the international front, Lewandowski has been a beacon for Poland. As the team’s captain and all-time top scorer, he has represented his nation with distinction. His two goals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar were instrumental in leading Poland to the knockout phase.
Experience the magic of his debut goal in World Cup:
Market Value: A Testament to His Worth
According to Transfermarkt, Lewandowski’s current market value stands at €30.00m, with his highest being €90.00m in April 2018. These figures underscore his significance in the football world.
Central Europe’s Ballon d’Or Legacy
While Lewandowski aims to become the first Polish player to win the Ballon d’Or, only three players from Central Europe have clinched the award: Josef Masopust (1962), Flórián Albert (1967), and Pavel Nedvěd (2003). Winning the Ballon d’Or 2023 would place Lewandowski in this illustrious group.
Ballon d’Or 2023: The Competition
The Ballon d’Or 2023 race is heating up with several worthy contenders. Apart from Lewandowski, football giants like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe are also in the running. Each player brings a unique set of achievements to the table, making this year’s competition one of the most anticipated in recent times.
Conclusion
Robert Lewandowski’s journey from Poland to the pinnacle of European football is a testament to his talent, dedication, and hard work. As the Ballon d’Or 2023 approaches, there’s a strong case for him to be crowned the world’s best player. Regardless of the outcome, Lewandowski’s legacy as one of football’s greats is firmly established.