-End of an Era: Robert Lewandowski to Leave Barcelona After the 2025/26 SeasonIn what could mark the closing chapter of one of modern football’s most prolific careers, Pini Zahavi, the long-time representative of Robert Lewandowski, has informed FC Barcelona of the striker’s intention to leave the club at the end of the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Although Lewandowski has automatically triggered a contract extension based on performance clauses—specifically through his goal count and the number of matches played last season—the decision has been made independently of contractual obligations.
The 36-year-old Polish international, alongside his family, has collectively agreed that next season will be his final year in Blaugrana colors.-
A Last Dance at Camp NouLewandowski joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 in a high-profile move from Bayern Munich.
His arrival was a statement of ambition by the Catalan club, then in the early stages of a rebuilding process under manager Xavi Hernández.
Despite concerns about his age at the time of signing, the striker instantly justified his acquisition, helping the club win the 2022/23 La Liga title and serving as a model professional both on and off the pitch.
In two full seasons, Lewandowski has not only scored crucial goals but also mentored younger players, upheld high standards in training, and brought invaluable experience to a largely youthful squad.
He became the reference point in attack, often carrying the burden of goal-scoring during difficult stretches of the season.
Why Now? Timing the FarewellThe decision to part ways with Barcelona is not rooted in a decline in form or any dissatisfaction, but rather reflects a desire to close this chapter on a high note.
Sources close to the player suggest that Lewandowski and his family have long viewed Barcelona as a meaningful stop in his career—an opportunity to embrace a new culture and contribute to one of the most historic clubs in the world.
But with his career winding down, the focus is now shifting toward life after football, or possibly one final experience elsewhere—whether in MLS, Saudi Arabia, or even a return to Poland.
While nothing has been decided about his next destination, the priority appears to be personal stability and a graceful exit from elite European football.
What It Means for BarcelonaLewandowski’s announcement gives Barcelona rare breathing room in their planning.
Too often in modern football, major departures catch clubs by surprise.
But with an entire season of advance notice, sporting director Deco and the recruitment team now have time to identify and groom a long-term successor.
Names like Vitor Roque and Marc Guiu have already begun to circulate as potential heirs to the No. 9 role, though a major signing can’t be ruled out—especially if Barcelona’s financial recovery continues.
The club may now pivot toward building a younger, faster attacking unit that fits the evolving vision of new head coach Hansi Flick.
A Legacy to Be AppreciatedThough his stay at Barcelona will ultimately be relatively short, Lewandowski’s impact should not be underestimated.
In a time when the club was emerging from the shadows of financial crisis and the post-Messi era, Lewandowski brought stability, goals, and credibility to the team.
He was the seasoned general leading a youthful battalion, and even as age inevitably caught up, his influence remained steady.
He may not retire as a lifelong Blaugrana, but he will leave as a respected figure, a champion, and a player who answered the call when Barça needed him most.—The Final Season: One Last MissionWith the announcement now public, the 2025/26 season becomes something more than just another campaign.
For Robert Lewandowski, it is a farewell tour, a final opportunity to lead, inspire, and compete at the highest level for one of the greatest clubs in the game.
For Barcelona, it’s a reminder that transitions, when managed wisely, can be opportunities—not setbacks.
The road ahead will not be easy, but with clarity and foresight, the post-Lewandowski era can begin not with panic—but with purpose.-