Robert Lewandowski interview: Longevity, rejection, and his Barcelona future

The 37-year-old is in his 16th season at the elite level and is still as prolific as ever. How does he do it? He explains his secrets...

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Robert Lewandowski, the 37-year-old Barcelona striker, is in his 16th season at the elite level and is still as prolific as ever. He has scored 392 league goals for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, plus another 265 in assorted other competitions. Lewandowski explains the secrets behind his extraordinary longevity, including his focus on nutrition, flexibility, and mental toughness, as well as the influence of his wife Anna, a former world-level karate medallist who has become a nutritionist. Despite his success, Lewandowski still feels he has something to prove, stemming from being released by Legia Warsaw when he was 17. His contract at Barcelona is up in the summer, and he is unsure about his future, but he remains focused on continuing to perform at the highest level.

Why it matters

Lewandowski's longevity and continued excellence at the elite level, even as he approaches his 38th birthday, is remarkable. His story provides insights into the dedication, discipline, and adaptability required to sustain a top-level career in professional football for over 15 years. As he contemplates his future, Lewandowski's journey serves as an inspiration for younger players and a testament to the power of perseverance and a strong mentality.

The details

Lewandowski has played for a range of top managers with different tactical approaches, including Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and Hansi Flick, but has excelled in each system due to his adaptability and intelligence. He credits his wife Anna, a former karate champion and nutritionist, with helping him optimize his diet and lifestyle, which has contributed to his remarkable durability, having missed only a handful of games due to injury over the past 15 seasons. Lewandowski's mindset, which is still driven by a desire to prove doubters wrong, has also been a key factor in his longevity.

  • Lewandowski joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2010.
  • Lewandowski won the Champions League with Bayern Munich in 2020.
  • Lewandowski broke the Bundesliga scoring record in the 2020-21 season.
  • Lewandowski is approaching his 38th birthday in August 2026.

The players

Robert Lewandowski

A 37-year-old Polish striker who has played for Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, and is one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football over the past 15 years.

Anna Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski's wife, a former world-level karate medallist who has become a nutritionist and owns a fitness studio in Barcelona. She has played a key role in helping Lewandowski optimize his diet and lifestyle, contributing to his longevity.

Jurgen Klopp

Lewandowski's former head coach at Borussia Dortmund, who praised the striker's ability to score goals even in the most challenging environments.

Hansi Flick

Barcelona's current head coach, who has commented on Lewandowski's remarkable recovery from injuries.

Joan Laporta

The president of Barcelona, who Lewandowski expresses confidence in to guide the club towards more success.

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What they’re saying

“I was always fighting to show everyone. I was fighting to show I was the right guy. To change the game. I always believed in myself, to show everyone that everyone who thought different was wrong.”

— Robert Lewandowski (nytimes.com)

“Lewandowski is the only player who could play in Pyongyang (the capital of North Korea), without any audience, and still score goals.”

— Jurgen Klopp, Lewandowski's former head coach at Borussia Dortmund (nytimes.com)

“I don't know what's in his DNA, but he recovers in three weeks from injuries that should last five.”

— Hansi Flick, Barcelona's current head coach (nytimes.com)

What’s next

Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona expires in the summer, and he is unsure about his future, with interest from MLS clubs like Chicago Fire. However, he remains focused on continuing to perform at the highest level and is not in a rush to decide his next move.

The takeaway

Robert Lewandowski's remarkable longevity and continued excellence at the elite level, even as he approaches his late 30s, is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and adaptability. His story provides valuable insights into the physical and mental attributes required to sustain a top-level career in professional football for over 15 years, and serves as an inspiration for younger players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport.