Crazy Decision! Robert Lewandowski Turned Down €200 Million to Stay at Barcelona
The Polish striker had the chance to become one of the highest-paid players in the world, but he made a decision that surprised even those closest to him: staying at FC Barcelona.
Lewandowski Said No to a Fortune
It's not every day that a footballer turns down €200 million, but that's exactly what Robert Lewandowski did.
According to his agent, Pini Zahavi, the Polish forward received an offer from Saudi Arabia worth €100 million per season on a two-year contract. Despite the eye-watering proposal, Lewandowski chose to remain at FC Barcelona through the end of the campaign.
His Priority Was Barcelona
While Saudi Arabia offered an attractive destination both financially and personally, Lewandowski reportedly had only one goal in mind.
Zahavi explained that the veteran striker wanted to continue competing for Barcelona and remain an important part of the club's sporting project, even knowing that an offer of that magnitude would likely never come again.
Money Wasn't His Biggest Motivation
Ironically, Zahavi admitted that Saudi Arabia appealed to Lewandowski for several reasons, including its proximity to Poland and the extraordinary financial package on the table.
When the time came to make a decision, however, the former Barcelona star chose sporting ambition over financial gain, walking away from one of the richest contracts offered in recent football history.
Why Did He Eventually Leave Barcelona?
Despite his desire to stay, Lewandowski's Barcelona chapter ultimately came to an end.
According to Zahavi, club president Joan Laporta wanted the striker to remain at Camp Nou for another season. However, sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick were unable to guarantee him a regular starting role—something that mattered more to Lewandowski than money itself.
With his place in the starting XI no longer assured, the Polish forward began exploring other opportunities before eventually joining Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, bringing an unforgettable Barcelona career to a close.
