Robert Lewandowski Speaks About Losing 2021 Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi “I Don’t Know Why”
- France Football cancelled the 2020 Ballon d'Or award ceremony after the coronavirus pandemic truncated the season
- Robert Lewandowski was the overwhelming favourite to win the award after winning the sextuple with Bayern Munich
- Record winner Lionel Messi beat him to the award in 2021, defying his expectations that he would win it after the 2020 saga
Robert Lewandowski has finally broken his silence after the 2020 Ballon d'Or saga and losing the 2021 award to record winner Lionel Messi.
Lewandowski was the overwhelming favourite to win the Ballon d'Or in 2020 after winning six trophies with Bayern Munich, including the UEFA Champions League.
Source: Getty Images
However, France Football cancelled the award, citing the coronavirus pandemic, which affected football globally, including the French leagues, which were cancelled.
2021 was a new year, and Lionel Messi beat the Poland international striker to the award, which fans accused the former Barcelona man of robbing the striker.
Lewandowski speaks about 2020 Ballon d'Or
Lewandowski has been nominated for the award every year since losing it in 2021, but has yet to come close to capturing football’s most coveted individual prize.
The striker is nominated again this year and though he is not expected to win the award, he is likely to finish in the top 10 on September 22, 2025..
He has opened up about not winning the 2020 award as the clear favourite, admitting that till today, he doesn't understand why he was not given the award.
"I was in the best moment of my career, I won everything with my club. I think the difficult thing with that case is, until now, I don't know why,” he told BBC Sports.
Messi, during his acceptance speech after winning the 2021 award, noted that Lewandowski deserved to win the award, adding that France Football should give him a gong.
“I want to tell Robert that it is an honour for me to be up against him. You deserve your Ballon d'Or. Last year, everyone agreed that you were the winner. I think France Football should give you your Ballon d'Or so you can have it like you deserve,” he said as quoted by Sports Illustrated.
Source: Getty Images
“Hopefully, France Football can give it to you to have in your home, because you were the true winner if it weren't for the pandemic. You should have one in your house too.”
Lewandowski tips teammates for 2025 Ballon d'Or
Four Barcelona players were nominated for this year's award: Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha.
Yamal is seen as one of the favourites alongside Ousmane Dembele, and the former Bayern Munich star believes Raphinha also deserves the recognition.
“Lamine Yamal's season was incredible, but in the end, it depends on what is most important. He still has a lot of time, if not this year, maybe next year,” he said.
“Raphinha also had an amazing season. We have players who can be one of the favourites to win this kind of title.”
Predicted winners of 2025 Ballon d'Or
Legit.ng analysed the predicted winners of the 2025 Ballon d'Or after France Football announced the nominees for all the voting categories.
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ousmane Dembele remains the favourite to win the men's award, despite the push from youngster Lamine Yamal.
Source: Legit.ng
