Why Barcelona told Lewandowski to STOP scoring

Robin Bairner

Updated: 20 Nov 2025 13:05 GMT
3 min read

Robert Lewandowksi, Anna Lewandowski, Barcelona, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Barcelona told Robert Lewandowski from stop scoring goals, according to a sensational claim published in a new book on the Poland striker.

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Lewandowski is currently six months away from his contract expiring after four productive years at the Camp Nou side following a €45 million move from Bayern Munich.

There is uncertainty over what the future holds for the 37-year-old Poland striker, and though it’s been made clear that he will see out his deal at Barca instead of seeking a January transfer, he has been linked with numerous clubs around the world, including Manchester United.

Whatever happens, Lewandowski will be remembered fondly at Barcelona, where he started so prolifically, the club had to tell him to put the brakes on.

Current ETV

Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski

F (C)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€9.3M - €11.3M

Why did Barcelona tell Lewandowski to stop scoring

According to a new book, ‘Lewandowski: The Real One’ by Sebastian Staszewski, Barcelona wanted the striker to stop putting the ball in the net because they were worried about paying Bayern Munich a bonus if he hit 25 goals.

With the title already won, it is claimed that Lewandowski was summoned to the office of head coach Xavi, where he had a meeting with several directors.

The book claims (via Sport) he was told: “Robert, we want you to stop scoring goals in the last few games.”

It goes on: “The player looked at him in amazement. Although the championship title was already decided, as was the award for the best scorer, in more than a decade playing at the highest level, no one had asked him to stop scoring a goal in his entire career.”

Barcelona were going through a particularly difficult period economically at that time and would have had to foot a €2.5m bill had their striker hit the magical 25-goal mark.

Instead, Lewandowski finished the season on 23 goals, despite not scoring in the final two games and yet still managed to win the Pichichi award for La Liga’s leading scorer.

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