Robert Lewandowski has officially announced that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the 2025/26 season.
The 37-year-old Polish striker confirmed on Saturday, May 16, 2026, that he will not renew his contract when the current campaign comes to an end.
Taking to social media to share a heartfelt video with his millions of followers, the veteran forward declared his objectives at the Spotify Camp Nou fulfilled, officially closing out one of the most remarkable chapters of his storied career.
The Arrival of Robert Lewandowski That Changed Barcelona’s Project
Arriving from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 for an initial €45 million fee, Lewandowski was the cornerstone of President Joan Laporta’s project to restore Barca to its former glory. Joining during a period of intense financial struggle and sporting uncertainty, the striker’s impact helped Barcelona restore its glory. As he rightly said, he has taken Barcelona back to where it belongs - which is amongst Europe's elite.
Over his four seasons, Lewandowski amassed an incredible 119 goals in 191 appearances across all competitions. His goals led the Blaugrana to three La Liga titles, including this current 2025-26 championship, alongside three Supercopa de Espana trophies and the 2025 Copa del Rey.
Lewandowski will leave La Liga as Barcelona's 12th highest scorer in the league with 82 goals to his name. However, if he scores 4 goals in his final two outings with Barcelona, he will leave the club being in the Top 10. That is incredible for someone who came so late in his career to Barca.
"I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days. Catalonia is my place on earth. Thank you to everyone I met along the way during these beautiful four years.” he announced in a video voiceover over his best moments in a Barcelona jersey.
Even in terms of Champions League, Lewandowski stepped up. He scored 24 goals in Europe with Barcelona, putting him comfortably 4th in Barca's all time European scoring record. Only Luis Suarez, Rivaldo (25 goals) and Lionel Messi (120 goals) stand ahead of him.
It's clear that with just one more season at Barca, Lewandowski would have comfortably etched his name into many club records.
Hansi Flick Pays Tribute to Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s departure was one of the main topics during Hansi Flick’s pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s weekend fixture against Real Betis.
Flick knows Robert Lewandowski better than most. The pair worked together during Bayern’s historic treble-winning era and were reunited at Barcelona, where they added more silverware to their story.
Even in a season where Lewandowski shared the striker role with Ferran Torres and had his minutes carefully managed, he still scored 18 goals in 44 matches.
Flick praised both his quality and his professionalism, saying: “The conversation went well. All my titles have been with him. For me, it has been a privilege to have him and to work with him. He is an incredible professional. He has always been at the highest level, he has taken care of his body. I will never forget him."
Barcelona Must Prepare for Life After Lewandowski
Lewandowski’s exit also creates a major sporting question for Barcelona. Who replaces one of the most reliable goalscorers of the last 15 years?
Discussions over his successor are already ongoing inside the club. Flick is expected to have a major say in the decision, especially because the next no. 9 will need to fit his structure.
Barcelona have already used Ferran Torres in the central role this season, while other attacking options could be considered depending on the club’s financial situation.
Flick also confirmed that Lewandowski will start against Real Betis on Sunday, and get a much deserved goodbye at the Spotify Camp Nou.
"Tomorrow he will start because he deserves it," said Hansi Flick. His ultimate final match in a Barcelona shirt will take place away at Valencia on May 23.
As for Lewandowski's next destination, the footballing world is waiting with bated breath. Despite turning 38 this August, his physical conditioning makes him a highly sought-after free agent, with swirling transfer rumors heavily linking him to lucrative opportunities in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Saudi Pro League.
Regardless of where he lands, his legacy in Catalonia is permanently secured: Robert Lewandowski arrived as a superstar in a broken Barca team, and he leaves as one of the greatest players the club has ever seen.
