Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has made a startling revelation, claiming the Spanish club instructed him not to score goals to avoid triggering a costly payment to former club Bayern Munich.
The Financial Clause That Halted Goals
The extraordinary request came during the 2022/23 season, a period of severe financial strain for the Catalan giants. Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 for an initial €45 million (£39 million), had a series of add-ons in his transfer agreement.
One specific clause stated that if the Polish international reached 25 league goals in his debut season, Barcelona would owe Bayern Munich an additional €2.5 million (£2.2 million).
By matchday 36, with the La Liga title secured, Lewandowski had netted 23 times. With two games remaining, the striker was summoned to a meeting with several members of the club's board of directors.
A Directive to Save 'Every Euro'
In an interview on Polish journalist Bogdan Rymanowski's YouTube channel, Lewandowski has now shed light on that pivotal discussion. He explained that the club's precarious economic situation led to the unusual directive.
"There are things I don’t want to talk about. I respect Barcelona and the people who work there a lot," Lewandowski stated, showing deference to his employers. "I was aware of the club’s situation. There were many other situations that needed to be resolved for the good of the club."
He elaborated on the reasoning, noting, "In short, it was a bonus, and it is known that at that time Barcelona looked to save every euro. It was no small thing, and for me, nothing changed either. I have no problem with that, but it stuck in my head and I wondered whether to score a goal or not."
Contract Uncertainty and Future Plans
The 37-year-old forward is now approaching a career crossroads. His contract with Barcelona expires in the summer of 2025, meaning he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January.
Despite the looming decision, Lewandowski appears relaxed about his future. "I don't talk to the coach about potential interest from other clubs," he said. "Nor is it a question of cutting my salary in half. The decision will depend on what the club wants and what I consider best."
"There's still time to decide," he added. "I don't feel any pressure, and I don't know right now which path to take."
This revelation offers a rare and candid glimpse into the extreme financial measures top football clubs sometimes employ. It underscores the complex interplay between sporting ambition and economic reality, even at the very highest level of the game.
