Lewandowski Calls Mental Fatigue The Reason For Absence From The Polish National Team

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski celebrated his goal against Athletic Bilbao. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Robert Lewandowski said mental fatigue was the reason he was absent from strengthening the Polish national team in the matches played in June.

Lewandowski missed Poland's 2-0 win over Moldova in a friendly match played on Friday 6 June 2025.

The 36-year-old forward will also miss the World Cup qualifier against Finland on June 10 after declaring he is not willing to play at this month's international break.

"I know that I am often judged as a professional, not human," Lewandowski was quoted as saying in a statement to Polish television station TVP Sport on Sunday.

"After returning from injury, I played two league games and told coach (Michal) Probierz that I don't feel physically good, but especially mentally."

Lewandowski played 52 times and scored 42 goals for Barcelona this season. That's the highest number of appearances in a season of his career.

He also took part in bringing the Catalan club to win the Spanish League and the 2024/2025 Raja Cup season.

The attacker suffered a rear thigh muscle injury in Barcelona's 4-3 win over Celta Vigo in April.

Although he had played extra time when Barca lost 3-4 (Aggregate 6-7) to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, Lewandowski was only a substitute who was not played in the next game when they won over Real Madrid.

He has appeared in Barcelona's last three games of the season, including scoring two goals against Athletic Club in the final match.

Poland currently topped Group G in the European zone 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with two wins from two matches. A 1-0 win over Lithuania in the opening match last March was scored by Lewandowski's goal in the 81st minute.