- Lewandowski opens up on Golden Ball woes
- Claims peak career form was overlooked
- Tips Yamal, Raphinha for future awards
AFP'I don't know why' - Robert Lewandowski admits he's still haunted by Covid-enforced Ballon d'Or cancellation & defeat to Lionel Messi in 2021
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Fandango
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Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries USA Network, guaranteeing access to the 30+ highest-profile English-language marquee matches per season (including Der Klassiker).
✅ Carries Telemundo and Universo alongside USA Network and CNBC, giving you access to the biggest matches across both English and Spanish broadcasts.
✅ Allows you to effortlessly record the live weekend matches airing on traditional television to watch later on your own schedule.
Monthly from$79.99
Spanish Coverage
Peacock
✅ While the English rights are split between two platforms, Peacock streams all 300+ Bundesliga matches live and on-demand with authentic Spanish commentary.
✅ Provides a single, unified digital hub for bilingual fans who want guaranteed access to every single game on the schedule without switching platforms.
✅ Your subscription also includes NBC's massive slate of English Premier League matches, allowing you to stream two of Europe's top leagues in the same app.
Monthly from$7.99
Free Streaming
Fandango
✅ Serves as the primary English-language platform for the US market, streaming over 270 live Bundesliga matches throughout the season.
✅ For the first time in years, the vast majority of the schedule is completely free to access without requiring a monthly sports subscription.
✅ Easily accessible across smart TVs and mobile devices without needing a cable-authenticated login, operating similarly to other FAST (free ad-supported streaming) services.
Watch todayFREE
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries USA Network, guaranteeing access to the 30+ highest-profile English-language marquee matches per season (including Der Klassiker).
✅ Carries Telemundo and Universo alongside USA Network and CNBC, giving you access to the biggest matches across both English and Spanish broadcasts.
✅ Allows you to effortlessly record the live weekend matches airing on traditional television to watch later on your own schedule.
Monthly from$79.99
AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Determined to prove himself again, Lewandowski returned in 2021 with an even more jaw-dropping individual campaign. The striker smashed Gerd Muller’s long-standing Bundesliga record with 41 goals in a single season, firing Bayern to a ninth straight league crown.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Still, when the Ballon d’Or votes were counted, it was Messi who claimed the Golden Ball. The Argentine had enjoyed a stellar year of his own, scoring 38 goals, assisting 14 more, and leading Barcelona to Copa del Rey glory. Crucially, he had also spearheaded Argentina’s Copa America triumph, their first major title in nearly three decades.
AFPWHAT'S NEXT?
When asked who might win the coveted Ballon d’Or next, Lewandowski turned his attention to his Barcelona team-mates.
"Lamine Yamal's season was incredible but in the end it depends what is most important. He still has a lot of time, if not this year maybe next year," he said. "Raphinha also had an amazing season. We have players who can be one of the favourites to win this kind of title."
The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony will be held on September 22 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
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