Robert Lewandowski says cancellation of 2020 Ballon d'Or still haunts him

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :August 13, 2025 at 10:56 AM

Modified at :August 13, 2025 at 10:57 AM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The Polish striker was unlucky not to win the award.

Robert Lewandowski, a striker for FC Barcelona, acknowledged that his disappointment at losing the 2020 Ballon d’Or during his time at Bayern Munich still haunts him. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic cancelling the 2020 ceremony, the Poland international was the clear favourite. The following year, he lost to Lionel Messi in the poll.

Following an incredible season with Bayern Munich, Lewandowski appeared certain to win the 2020 Ballon d’Or. He was at the top of the international game, and his deadly finishing had propelled the German giants Bayern to a domestic and European treble.

However, in a turn of events that still bothers him, the COVID-19 pandemic completely cancelled the award that year. Lewandowski has never forgotten the decision that cost him his finest chance at footballing greatness.

Robert Lewandowski returned in 2021 with a similarly phenomenal solo effort, determined to establish himself once more. With 41 goals in a single season, the striker broke Gerd Müller’s long-standing Bundesliga record and led Bayern to their eighth consecutive league title.

Robert Lewandowski FC Bayern Munich Bundesliga — Robert Lewandowski was let down by the decision to cancel the 2020 ceremony (Photo via DFL/Bundesliga)

Nevertheless, Messi was the one who claimed the Golden Ball once the Ballon d’Or votes were tallied. With 38 goals, 14 assists, and Barcelona winning the Copa del Rey, the Argentine had had an incredible season of his own. Importantly, he had also led Argentina to their first major championship in almost thirty years, the Copa America.

Lewandowski on 2020 Ballon d’Or suspension

“I was in the best moment of my career, I won everything with my club,” he said in a new interview with the BBC. “I think the difficult thing with that case is until now I don’t know why.”

Meanwhile, the Paris Theatre du Chatelet will host the 2025 Ballon d’Or event on September 22. Once more, Lewandowski has been nominated for the award. Will he win this time?

Why was the 2020 Ballon d’Or ceremony cancelled?

It was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Has Lewandowski ever won the award?

No, he has not. He came second in 2021.

Who has won the most Ballon d’Ors?

Messi has won the award eight times.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.