Robert Lewandowski interview: His Ballon d’Or favorites, adjusting to MLS and life after football

In an interview with The Athletic, Chicago Fire striker Robert Lewandowski discussed his contenders for the Ballon d'Or, his adjustment to Major League Soccer, and his thoughts on eventual retirement. The 38-year-old Polish international singled out former Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as standout candidates, alongside Bayern forward Harry Kane. Lewandowski noted that the race for the honor has become far more open than during the era dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Now settled in Chicago with his family, Lewandowski highlighted the physical and logistical adjustments required in MLS, including playing on artificial turf and pitches marked for NFL games. Having tallied six goals and four assists in 1,058 minutes, he remains focused on building chemistry with his teammates ahead of the Fire's postseason campaign. Lewandowski also admitted to feeling a sense of fear regarding what life will look like once his playing career finally ends.