Lewandowski Encourages Yamal To Find Balance For Long Careers

Robert Lewandowski gave advice to Lamine Yamal (Instagram/@fcbarcelona).

JAKARTA - Barcelona striker, Robert Lewandowski, encouraged his teammate, Lamine Yamal, to find the right balance in his life so that he could have a long professional career.

Yamal has enjoyed a great success and has become one of his favorites to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or award.

However, the Spaniard recently drew public criticism for reportedly employing people with dwarfism as part of entertainment at his 18th gangster-themed birthday party on July 13, 2025.

"Lamine is still very young, she can enjoy life. She has to enjoy life because everything - not only in football, but also outside of that - is in front of her."

"Of course, it will also be a difficult moment for him, how to deal with him, everything around him."

"Of course, it won't be easy, but he also has to enjoy everything. At this age, you still can, and maybe in the future he can't. You just need to find a balance."

"He's a very good guy. People don't understand that we want to show our identity."

"He (Lamine) shows his identity. Of course, there will be a lot of speculation, a lot of talk about this."

"It depends on how he handles this in the long term. I think the most important thing for him, and maybe he should answer himself, is that (the media concern) will be too much in two, three, four years," Lewandowski told ESPN.

In May 2025, Yamal signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2031 and has worn the club's iconic uniform number 10.

Lewandowski believes Yamal must be mentally strong to deal with outside noise while maintaining his best performance.

"He worked hard. However, outside of football, emotions arise because you are on your social media, the next day you are on the pitch."

"This means enormous pressure on your body and mind. He may have to find a solution in the future," said the Polish player.

As a senior player, Lewandowski can certainly share experiences on how to have a long career that is far from controversial.

As is known, Lewandowski, who will turn 37 on August 21, 2025, will enter the 22nd season as a professional player.

The veteran forward has won 31 titles, including 10 Bundesliga titles, two La Liga trophies, and one Champions League.

Lewandowski emphasized that focusing on football by earning as many titles as possible and avoiding problems outside of football is the reason his career can be long.

The Polish player is currently even still hungry for more titles even though he is entering his old age.

"It doesn't matter how many titles you have won. The most important thing is how many titles you want to win."

"I believe I can improve a lot more. I love football, I love this team, I love this club."

"I still feel very fit physically. I have no problem with this (age) because I don't feel it."

"I'm proud to be 37 years old. However, I still believe that I can achieve my goals. I can help my teammates because I still want more," said Lewandowski.