“About the fairy-tale story and unconventional development of Robert Lewandowski – and his evolution from zero to World Footballer of the Year over the past two years.”

“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne Johnson, American-Canadian actor and former professional wrestler.

This quote is a guideline for achieving success in all areas of life – and especially applies to the development of Robert Lewandowski.

You don’t have to repeat his successes. But his story can inspire you to work on your own personal growth – in sports and in life. What’s remarkable is how Robert managed, through consistent training, a supportive environment and family backing, to seemingly stop the biological clock.

He most likely learned from the best during his career – but his strongest competitor was always himself.

When he scored his first goal in a UEFA competition for Lech Poznań in 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo had just won the Champions League with Manchester United. Lionel Messi was named World Footballer of the Year for the first time a year later. Between Messi and CR7, a long-standing competition emerged – fueled by each other’s success and tireless ambition.

In contrast, Robert’s career progressed in smaller, initially less spectacular steps. It took him around twelve years to be recognized in 2020 and 2021 by international experts as the best footballer in the world.

What was most unusual was his development in his thirties – an age when most footballers start to decline. But Robert defied this pattern and instead kept getting better. A phenomenon rarely seen in the world of football.

Robert knew: Victory belongs to those with the greatest perseverance.

How can his evolution be traced? He shoots with both feet, is a world-class header, scores penalties regularly, bends free kicks over walls, dribbles quickly and with control, and uses every touch of the ball with purpose. His ball control is world-class.

In the Bundesliga, he broke numerous goal-scoring records – including the legendary 41-goal record by Gerd Müller in the 2020/21 season. He also set several scoring records in European competitions.

What were the key events, people and decisions that brought him to the top?

Robert grew up in a sports-oriented family: His father Krzysztof was a junior European judo champion, and his mother Iwona played volleyball in Poland’s top league. In 2013, he married Anna Lewandowska, a successful karate athlete with multiple national and international Fudokan titles. Robert says: “Energy and strength for everyday life come from the family – and help on the football field.”

A turning point came in 2010 when he transferred to Borussia Dortmund – then one of Europe’s top teams – under coach Jürgen Klopp. In 2014, he moved to Bayern Munich. The “Mia san mia” culture and working with Pep Guardiola boosted his development. But his biggest progress came under Hansi Flick. Robert confirmed in interviews that they worked together beyond regular training on technique, tactics, and set pieces.

Practice makes perfect – and Lewandowski proves it like no other.

Even in 2021, he remained in top form and scored regularly – even though new coach Julian Nagelsmann changed the tactics to make the team less dependent on Robert’s goals.

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