Robert Lewandowski is set to be handed the Ballon d’Or award that several football lovers believe he deserved to win in 2020.
What happened?
According to reports, French Football are considering changing a previous Ballon d’Or result which could see the FC Barcelona striker clinch the prestigious individual trophy.
Recall that the former Borussia Dortmund frontman was the frontrunner to win the award in 2020 before the award was discarded due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
During that period, the Polish goal machine was at the peak of his form, having helped Bayern Munich to the treble, including the UEFA Champions League final triumph over Paris Saint Germain.
The former Bayern Munich striker bagged an outstanding 55 goals in 47 matches in all competitions and was seriously tipped as a favorite for the Ballon d’Or.
However, his expectations for the trophy hit the rock after the ceremony was canceled. But there could be great news for the Poland International with France Football, the outlet in charge of the award, reportedly considering presenting him with the 2020 Ballon d’Or many felt he deserved.
When Robert Lewandowski was reflecting on his form during the season, he said; “In 2020 and 2021, I had the best years of my career.”
He added; “Recently a friend sent me the statistics. I scored 100 goals in 85 games.”
The 35-year-old was in the running for the award in 2021 but was pipped by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
However, according to insiders, an investigation into Messi’s triumph in 2021 opened earlier this year over claims PSG had pressured France Football into favoring the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.
Lewandowski finished second that year which left fans furious that the striker had been robbed but now the magazine are seriously concerned that the aforementioned investigation has harmed its reputation and will therefore consider giving the striker the 2020 Ballon d’Or.
Note that the French outlet have handed out the prestigious prize every year from 1956 onwards – except in 2020.
Meanwhile, after Lionel Messi won the individual trophy in 2021, he claimed that the former Bayern Munich striker deserved to win the award.
“Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or,” he said in his speech.
“Last year (2020), everyone agreed to say that you were the big winner of this award”.
France Football’s editor-in-chief, Pascal Ferre, addressed Messi’s plea and stressed the need to “respect the history of the award”.
Robert Lewandowski won the FIFA Men’s Best Player for 2020 but has recently admitted he would gladly accept a first Ballon d’Or even if it is delayed.
During an interview with reporters, he said; “Let’s put it this way, if I received the 2020 Ballon d’Or four years later, I would not feel offended. It would be a great honor and I would accept the award.”
