Barcelona asked one of their star players not to score as they attempted to manage their spiralling finances and wanted to avoid an outlay of cash near the end of a season
<span class="ImageEmbed_camera-style__Qjeby"><default:svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" viewbox="0 0 16 16" fill="none"><default:g clip-path="url(#clip0_209_94274)"><default:path opacity="0.16" fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M14 4H2V10.6667C2 11.403 2.59695 12 3.33333 12H12.6667C13.403 12 14 11.403 14 10.6667V4ZM8 10C9.10457 10 10 9.10457 10 8C10 6.89543 9.10457 6 8 6C6.89543 6 6 6.89543 6 8C6 9.10457 6.89543 10 8 10Z" fill="var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)"></default:path><default:path d="M2 3.33331H14V11.3333C14 12.0697 13.403 12.6666 12.6667 12.6666H3.33333C2.59695 12.6666 2 12.0697 2 11.3333V3.33331Z" stroke="var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)" stroke-width="1.33333" stroke-linejoin="round"></default:path><default:circle cx="8" cy="8" r="2" stroke="var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)" stroke-width="1.33333" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></default:circle><default:path d="M11.3332 1.33331L12.6665 1.33331" stroke="var(--color-sem-icon-primary-default)" stroke-width="1.33333" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round"></default:path></default:g><default:defs><default:clippath id="clip0_209_94274"><default:rect width="16" height="16" fill="white"></default:rect></default:clippath></default:defs></default:svg></span><span class="ImageEmbed_caption-title__FSINC">VILLARREAL, SPAIN – DECEMBER 21: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on from the bench during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)</span><span class="ImageEmbed_caption-credit__uNiU6">(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)</span>
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski claims he was asked to stop scoring goals by the La Liga giants so that they could avoid making a transfer payment to Bayern Munich. The Poland international has revealed that the request was made at the peak of the Catalan side’s financial issues.
Lewandowski joined Barca in the summer of 2022 after a €45m (£39m) transfer, with the potential for another €5m (£4.4m) in add-ons. In completing the move, the forward became Bayern Munich’s most expensive sale of all-time.
The legendary striker hit the ground running and, after 36 league matches, had scored 23 goals to clinch the La Liga title with his new club. With two matchdays remaining of his first season, however, it is said he met with several members of the club’s board of directors.
And in that meeting, Lewandowski alleges he was asked not to score more goals as they feared triggering a clause in their agreement with Bayern. If Lewandowski bagged 25 goals, they would be required to pay Bayern €2.5m (£2.2m).
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“There are things I don’t want to talk about. I respect Barcelona and the people who work there a lot,” he said. “I was aware of the club’s situation. There were many other situations that needed to be resolved for the good of the club.
“In short, it was a bonus, and it is known that at that time Barcelona looked to save every euro. It was no small thing, and for me, nothing changed either. I have no problem with that, but it stuck in my head and I wondered whether to score a goal or not.”
Lewandowski will soon enter the final six months of his contract with Barcelona and could depart for free in the summer. The 37-year-old is relaxed over his uncertain future.
“I don’t talk to the coach about potential interest from other clubs,” he explained. “Nor is it a question of cutting my salary in half. The decision will depend on what the club wants and what I consider best.
“There’s still time to decide. I don’t feel any pressure, and I don’t know right now which path to take.”
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