Back in 2022, Barcelona shocked football fans by spending €45 million to sign 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich. Over the past three years, Robert Lewandowski has justified the investment, scoring 109 goals in 158 appearances across all competitions for the Catalan club.
Robert Lewandowski Asked Not to Score in Debut Season
During his debut season (2022–23), it has been revealed that Robert Lewandowski was asked by Barcelona not to score in the final matches of the campaign. The transfer deal included €5 million in performance bonuses, with €2.5 million due to Bayern if Lewandowski reached 25 La Liga goals. With the title already secured and Lewandowski on 23 goals with two matches remaining, Barcelona reportedly intervened to avoid paying the bonus.
Journalist Sebastian Staszewski, via Diario AS, stated:
“Barcelona, in a meeting in which the president Joan Laporta was present, asked Robert Lewandowski to stop scoring goals. The reason was economic—because Barcelona had to pay Bayern a bonus of €2.5 million if Robert Lewandowski reached 25 goals. With the title already secured, Barcelona chose to ask him to stop scoring.”
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The incident underscores Barcelona’s financial difficulties, which have persisted for years. The club is still working to comply with La Liga’s 1:1 wage-to-revenue rule, affecting transfers and salaries. Lewandowski, as the club’s highest earner, has contributed to the wage pressure, demonstrating the economic challenges Barcelona faces.
Robert Lewandowski’s Contract and Future at Barcelona
Lewandowski’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and there are currently no plans for a renewal. The conclusion of his deal is expected to relieve Barcelona of his substantial wages, allowing the club to stabilize its finances ahead of future projects, including the reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou.