Why Robert Lewandowski is the Most Unlucky Footballer of the 21st Century?

Robert Lewandowski is perhaps the unluckiest footballer of the 21st century. Born in Poland, a country not known for football dominance, and playing in the era of Messi and Ronaldo, he still managed to shine brightly. The pinnacle of his career came in the 2019-20 season, when, at 31, he won the treble with Bayern Munich—Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and UEFA Champions League—scoring 55 goals in 47 matches. He was the top scorer in all three competitions, a feat previously achieved only by Johan Cruyff. 

Destined to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, his crowning moment was snatched away when the ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19. Despite over 600 career goals and records like scoring 5 goals in 9 minutes, the Ballon d’Or eluded him. If Lewandowski never wins this honour, it would epitomise the misfortune of an extraordinary footballer.