Zbigniew Boniek says Barcelona ace is the best number 9 of the 21st century | OneFootball

In an era where football legends are measured by their ability to score at the highest level, Robert Lewandowski continues to shine. The Barcelona ace recently reached an impressive milestone, surpassing 100 goals in the UEFA Champions League, a feat only previously achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

This remarkable achievement has earned the Polish striker praise from all corners of the football world, including from his compatriot, Zbigniew Boniek, one of the best Polish players of the 1980s.

Boniek, who famously played alongside Michel Platini at Juventus and later served as president of the Polish Football Federation, has made a bold statement regarding Robert Lewandowski’s place in football.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, the former player and official shared his thoughts on the Barcelona striker’s exceptional career.

“Lewandowski is the best number 9 of the 21st century,” Boniek declared, offering high praise for the Polish forward. He commended Lewandowski for his unparalleled skill and remarkable consistency in front of goal, solidifying his status as one of the greatest strikers of the modern era.

However, Boniek clarified that this ranking excluded both Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, explaining, “I’m not sure if Messi is a 9, a 10, or a 9.5, and Cristiano is also not the typical number 9, as he spent most of his career playing on the wings.”

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A Legacy Beyond the Ballon d’Or

While Lewandowski’s accomplishments are undeniable, Boniek believes the opportunity for him to win the Ballon d’Or has passed:

“I think the time when Robert could have won the Ballon d’Or has passed. However, he can still have his own reward and score as many goals as possible because he will go down in history.”

Despite this, Boniek remains confident that Lewandowski will continue to excel. At 36, the Barcelona forward has shown no signs of slowing down, maintaining a level of performance that few players of his age can match.

Boniek predicts Lewandowski has at least “two more years playing at this level,” thanks to his remarkable ability to score goals, a trait that will define his legacy.

120 Goals on the Horizon for Barcelona Ace?

Boniek’s belief in Lewandowski’s potential to further elevate his Champions League tally is equally strong. Following his brace against Brest, which helped Barcelona secure a 3-0 victory, Boniek confidently predicted that Lewandowski could reach 120 goals in Europe’s premier competition:

“Robert will always score goals. It depends a lot on what the team does, but Robert has a certain calm because he knows he will have at least eight games in the regular round, and then the knockout phase. So I believe Robert can easily reach 120 goals.”

Lewandowski’s style of play, combined with Barcelona’s attacking setup, provides the perfect platform for him to continue scoring. His knack for finding the back of the net, even in the most challenging situations, has made him a vital part of every team he has represented throughout his career.

A Legacy in the Making

Lewandowski’s journey to 100 Champions League goals has solidified his place among the elite players in the history of the competition. As he continues to add to his tally, it’s clear that his legacy at Barcelona, and in European football, will stand the test of time.

Even if the Ballon d’Or eludes him, Lewandowski will be remembered as one of the finest strikers of his generation, and certainly one of the best number 9s the world has ever seen.