2020 Ballon d'Or Cancellation: Lewandowski's Perspective – A Lost Year?
The year 2020. A year etched in history for reasons far beyond football, but for Robert Lewandowski, it was also a year of unprecedented personal triumph, cruelly overshadowed by the cancellation of the Ballon d'Or. While the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Lewandowski's goalscoring prowess continued unabated, leaving many to wonder: what could have been? This article delves into Lewandowski's perspective on the cancelled 2020 Ballon d'Or, exploring the impact on his legacy and the wider footballing world.
Lewandowski's Unstoppable 2019-2020 Season:
The Bayern Munich striker enjoyed a season for the ages, shattering records and leading his team to a historic treble. His staggering goal tally, across Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal, cemented his status as arguably the world's best player. He achieved:
- Bundesliga top scorer: A record-breaking number of goals, leaving other contenders far behind.
- Champions League top scorer: A crucial contribution to Bayern's Champions League victory.
- DFB-Pokal success: Further solidifying his team's dominance across German football.
This phenomenal performance fueled widespread speculation that he was a shoo-in for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award. The cancellation of the ceremony due to the pandemic left a void in the footballing calendar and sparked considerable debate.
The Impact of the Cancellation on Lewandowski
The absence of the 2020 Ballon d'Or undeniably impacted Lewandowski's career narrative. While individual awards don't define a player's greatness, the Ballon d'Or carries immense weight and prestige. The widely held belief that he was the deserving winner only amplified the sense of disappointment. While he has since won the award in 2021, the feeling of a deserved accolade missed in 2020 likely lingers.
Many football analysts and fans have voiced their opinions on this, suggesting that the cancellation unjustly deprived Lewandowski of a moment of deserved recognition for his extraordinary achievements. This sentiment continues to fuel discussions amongst football enthusiasts globally, generating ongoing interest in the "what if?" scenario.
The Wider Implications: A Disrupted Footballing Landscape
The cancellation of the 2020 Ballon d'Or wasn't just about Lewandowski; it highlighted the larger disruption the pandemic caused to the footballing world. The unusual circumstances of the season, with disrupted schedules and behind-closed-doors matches, made judging individual performances more complex. This sparked broader conversations about the criteria for awarding such accolades and the impact of unforeseen external factors on the sporting landscape.
The Legacy Continues:
Despite the disappointment, Lewandowski's achievements in the 2019-2020 season remain a testament to his exceptional talent. His subsequent Ballon d'Or win and consistent high-level performances solidify his place amongst footballing greats. However, the debate surrounding the 2020 cancellation continues to generate discussion and highlights the subjective nature of individual awards in a constantly evolving sporting world.
What are your thoughts on the 2020 Ballon d'Or cancellation and its impact on Lewandowski? Share your views in the comments below!