Overview
- Author Sebastian Staszewski writes that Barcelona told Robert Lewandowski not to score in the final two LaLiga matches of 2022–23 to sidestep a €2.5 million payment to Bayern Munich tied to reaching 25 league goals.
- The anecdote is sourced to the biography 'Lewandowski. Prawdziwy' and has been reported by multiple outlets, with some accounts adding that president Joan Laporta was present at the meeting.
- Match records show Lewandowski finished the season with 23 league goals, played the last two games without scoring, and still won the Pichichi as top scorer.
- Reporting on the 2022 transfer stated Barcelona paid €45 million plus up to €5 million in variables, with half of that linked to the 25‑goal LaLiga threshold.
- The episode is framed as reflective of Barcelona’s ongoing financial strain, and there has been no public confirmation or detailed response from the club.