Robert Lewandowski discusses Ballon d'Or candidates and youth player longevity

Robert Lewandowski has shared his perspectives on the current state of football, specifically regarding the Ballon d'Or and the challenges facing young talents like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.

Regarding the Ballon d'Or, Lewandowski noted that the competition has become more open than in previous eras, suggesting that up to ten players could now make a case for the award. He praised Lamine Yamal for his incredible performance at a young age, while also highlighting Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Lewandowski specifically noted that Olise possesses immense potential and suggested that additional goals during the World Cup could have positioned him as a top favorite for the award.

Addressing the longevity of elite players, the 38-year-old striker warned that the modern era presents unique difficulties for maintaining peak performance. He argued that because players like Yamal reach high levels of fame and responsibility during their formative years, they face increased physical and psychological pressure earlier than previous generations. Lewandowski suggested it may become increasingly difficult for players to sustain top-level careers for as long as his generation did due to this early exposure to extreme demands.