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La Liga: Lewandowski bids emotional farewell to Camp Nou as Barcelona beat Betis

18.05.2026 00:45
Robert Lewandowski bid an emotional farewell to Camp Nou on Sunday, leaving the pitch in tears as his Barcelona side defeated Real Betis 3-1 in the Spanish La Liga.
Photo: PAPPaweł Supernak
Photo: PAP/Paweł SupernakEPA/MARTA PEREZ

The Polish striker, who announced a day earlier that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, wore the captain’s armband and started the match, drawing loud applause from fans—including many from Poland—who had gathered hours before kickoff to mark his final appearance at the stadium.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said ahead of the game that Lewandowski "deserves for all the fans to say goodbye to him," and included him in the starting lineup, handing him the captaincy as a gesture.

Supporters filled the stands with Polish flags, banners and chants celebrating the forward, many wearing jerseys bearing his No. 9.

A banner reading "Lewy Legend" was visible among the crowd, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Lewandowski left the field five minutes before the end of regulation time to a standing ovation led by club president Joan Laporta. Visibly moved, he appeared to forget to hand over the captain’s armband as he walked off.

After the final whistle, teammates tossed him into the air in celebration before he was joined on the pitch by his wife and two daughters. Laporta presented him with a commemorative statuette bearing the club’s crest.

"You will always be Barça, Robert," the club wrote on social media.

Addressing fans, Lewandowski thanked them for their support "in an emotional but difficult moment," recalling the warm welcome he received when he first arrived in Barcelona.

“From the first day I felt at home. I will never forget how you chanted my name,” he said. “It has been a great honor to play for this club. We experienced great moments over four years. I am proud of what we achieved together.”

“I will always carry Barça in my heart,” he added.

Lewandowski did not score in the match, with Brazilian forward Raphinha netting twice for Barcelona. Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny was an unused substitute.

The 37-year-old forward joined Barcelona in 2022 and helped the club win three La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups. He has scored 119 goals in 192 appearances, placing him among the club’s top scorers.

His future club remains unclear, though media reports have linked him with moves to Saudi Arabia or the United States.

Barcelona, which has already secured the league title, leads the standings with 94 points, 11 ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

Lewandowski is expected to make his final appearance for the club next weekend in an away match against Valencia.

(gs)

Source: TVN24, IAR, PAP