Robert Lewandowski’s incredible success continues. The 36-year-old Polish striker is now chasing the Champions League title with Barcelona and seems to be experiencing his second footballing spring. His goals, titles, and physical fitness have not diminished but have increased. In an interview with Bild, Lewandowski explains why he is still at his peak, how he maintains his fitness, what his next goals are, and his thoughts on Dortmund’s progress under coach Niko Kovač.

Lewandowski’s Glorious Record
Lewandowski played 187 games for Dortmund between 2010 and 2014, scoring 103 goals and providing 42 assists. In 2011, he won the Bundesliga with Jürgen Klopp and in 2012, he achieved the double of league and cup titles. In 2014, he joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer, where he scored 344 goals and provided 73 assists in 375 games. He won 8 Bundesliga titles, 4 DFB-Pokals, the 2021 Champions League, was twice named The Best FIFA Men’s Player, and won the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award. Since 2022, he has scored 99 goals and provided 20 assists in 142 games for Barcelona. Dortmund fans have not forgiven him for leaving and celebrating after scoring against them in the first leg. He has scored 29 goals in 29 games against Dortmund.

Mr. Lewandowski, with Barcelona, you eliminated Dortmund, your former team, from the Champions League. In the first leg, you scored two goals in a 4-0 win, but in the second leg, you struggled in a 3-1 defeat.

It’s better to have such a defeat now. There is no room for mistakes like the ones we made in the second leg against Dortmund in the later stages. We lacked control in midfield, lost possession, made wrong passes, and made it easy for the opponent. But this was an important experience to realize that we need to be 100% in both matches. To reach the final, we need to play two good matches. This mindset is important for our young players. I see this as positive and good for the future.

The final is on May 31 in Munich. Now you want to win the title, right?
Yes, definitely, that is our goal.

Every time you touched the ball in Dortmund, the fans booed you. How did that affect you?
I understand the fans, but they should also understand me. I have shown many times how much respect I have for Dortmund. In my first games with Bayern, I didn’t celebrate after scoring. But now I’ve played 29 games against Dortmund, and my duty is to win. I only think positively about Dortmund fans. Returning to this stadium feels good. My memories of Dortmund are only positive and will remain forever.

How closely do you follow Dortmund’s progress?
My heart still beats for Dortmund. I watch their games carefully. Dortmund now has 5 games left, and the match against Gladbach could be an important step towards climbing the table. Playing in the Champions League is important for Dortmund. They must believe until the end. If they perform like they did against us and win the remaining 5 games, they will reach the Champions League!

It’s clear that Dortmund’s players have embraced Kovač’s values. Intensity, aggression, passion, and fitness are important to him. Dortmund hasn’t lost with his new three-defender system and two strikers. The 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Barcelona with a four-man defense now seems like a big slip. You won the double with Kovač in Bayern in 2019. What do you think?
Niko has a lot of experience and works very precisely. I think he can take the team forward. In the match against us and the 2-2 draw in Munich, it was clear that Dortmund has recently taken an important step with him. I think he fits Dortmund very well.

Kovač called you Adonis before the match. What is the secret to your fitness?
(Laughs) I had a fantastic time with Niko at Bayern and have great memories of him. Working with him was beneficial for my fitness. Now I have to do some things differently to still play at the world level at this age. My experience and the help of many people keep my performance at a high level. Physically, I still feel as good as before. When I see the fitness data after matches, I’m still satisfied.

Do you still train with your wife?
Yes, my training with her is very good and helps me a lot. I pay attention to strength training, recovery, and proper nutrition. I didn’t start this two years ago but from my time at Dortmund. The love for sports is in my blood, and that means I have to do something.

Lewandowski’s wife, Anna, was a professional karateka. He has followed a special diet since his time at Dortmund, first dessert, then the main course, and finally the appetizer. His personal fitness center is in Mallorca, near Jürgen Klopp’s house. During breaks, he follows his fitness and stability program there.

Will you play at the highest level like Cristiano Ronaldo until you’re 40?
Yes, maybe. It’s hard to say now, but physically it’s possible, and I have no worries. But there are also external factors that determine when enough is enough. As long as I have the passion, I will give 100% of my ability.