By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Spain, May 16, 2026 - An era at FC Barcelona is coming to an end.
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has officially confirmed that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the 2025/26 season after four years with the Catalan giants, bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful late-career chapters in modern football. Multiple reliable outlets, including Reuters and leading Spanish football platforms, confirmed the news following Lewandowski’s emotional statement released on Friday.
Lewandowski reportedly informed the club of his decision after weeks of growing speculation surrounding his future.
The 37-year-old’s contract expires this summer, and although Barcelona had offered him a one-year extension, reports indicate the proposal included a substantial salary reduction and a reduced role within the squad. Those conditions ultimately failed to convince the veteran striker, who still believes he can compete at the highest level of European football.
In a farewell message posted on Instagram, Lewandowski described his Barcelona journey as “mission complete,” while also thanking the club, supporters, and the city itself for what he called four unforgettable years. He added that “Catalonia is my place on earth,” reflecting the emotional connection he built during his time in Spain.
Lewandowski joined Barcelona from FC Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 in one of the biggest transfers of that year.
At the time, many questioned whether Barcelona were taking a risk by investing heavily in a striker already in his mid-thirties. Instead, Lewandowski immediately became the focal point of the club’s rebuilding project following the departure of Lionel Messi.
His impact was immediate.
Lewandowski helped Barcelona win the La Liga title in his first season at the club, finishing as the league’s top scorer while bringing leadership, experience, and elite finishing ability to a young squad transitioning into a new era. Over four seasons, he scored approximately 119 goals in all competitions and helped the club secure three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and multiple Spanish Super Cups.
Even during the latter stages of his Barcelona career, Lewandowski continued breaking records.
Earlier this year, he became the oldest player in the 21st century to reach 100 La Liga goal involvements, while also surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League scoring record for players aged over 35. He additionally became one of only a handful of players in football history to score 100 goals for three different clubs.
Despite those achievements, signs of transition had become increasingly visible throughout the season.
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Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has gradually shifted toward a younger, more dynamic attacking structure built around Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and other emerging talents. Injuries also affected Lewandowski’s rhythm during parts of the campaign, limiting his overall starts compared to previous seasons.
Barcelona are already preparing for life after Lewandowski.
Reports from Spain suggest the club has identified several possible long-term replacements, including Victor Osimhen and João Pedro, as the club attempts to refresh its attack ahead of next season.
Financial considerations also appear to have played a major role in the decision.
Barcelona continue managing strict salary restrictions and long-term financial restructuring, and Lewandowski’s departure will remove one of the highest wages from the squad. Several reports indicate this could help create room for new signings during the summer transfer window.
Attention is now turning toward Lewandowski’s next destination.
According to Reuters and multiple transfer reports, clubs from Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, and Serie A have already expressed interest in signing the Polish forward. Juventus and AC Milan are among the European clubs linked with a potential move, while Saudi Pro League sides are reportedly prepared to offer lucrative contracts.
Wherever he goes next, Lewandowski leaves Barcelona having restored stability and elite goalscoring during a difficult transitional period for the club.
He arrived carrying enormous pressure. He leaves as one of the defining strikers of Barcelona’s post-Messi era. And for many supporters, his departure marks the end of another important chapter at Camp Nou.