Lewandowski No Longer Barcelona’s Penalty Taker

Lewandowski Loses Penalty Taker Role at Barcelona

The Polish striker hasn't taken a penalty since December, passing the responsibility to his teammates.

BlaugranaNews EditorialMarch 21, 20261 min read

So what

Lewandowski's lost status as Barcelona's main penalty taker impacts the team's tactics and could affect crucial goal-scoring moments.

In recent matches, Barcelona has faced decisions on penalty takers, with Robert Lewandowski, who used to be the primary choice, stepping back and allowing teammates to take charge. Against Sevilla and Newcastle, Brazilian Raphinha and young Lamine Yamal took penalty duties, even with Lewandowski on the pitch.

Since his missed penalty against Atlético in December, Lewandowski hasn’t attempted a penalty kick. Instead, Yamal and Raphinha have alternated in taking penalties, with Barcelona converting 11 out of 14 awarded penalties this season.

Lewandowski’s recent two goals against Newcastle in the Champions League might boost his confidence and willingness to reclaim penalty duties. However, coach Hans Flick and the squad currently entrust younger players in these key moments.

This shift indicates a broader trend of role adjustments within the team, influencing tactical decisions and player psychology. For Barcelona, this poses a challenge to maintain stability and effectiveness during critical situations despite internal changes in leadership roles.