Robert Lewandowski makes an ambitious Ballon d’Or claim

The 2021 Ballon d’Or runner-up feels his chances of going one better have improved since joining Barca.

Robert Lewandowski feels signing for Barcelona has reignited his hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or.

The former Bayern Munich striker finished a close second to Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or 2021 rankings and arguably would’ve been in pole position for the 2020 award had France Football not canceled it in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But at Barcelona, a club where Messi won the Ballon d’Or a record seven times in 14 years, Lewandowski feels more hopeful than ever.

“I know that Barcelona are a team where the most players have won it,” the Poland captain said in a press conference on Monday.

“I think the path is shorter from Barcelona than from Bayern.”

Lewandowski is loving life in Barcelona

The 34-year-old has managed 11 goals and 2 assists in 8 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions since his €50 million summer arrival from Bayern.

“It’s like having new toys and playing with them,” Lewandowski said on his start to life at Camp Nou.

“From my first days in Barcelona, I felt I was in the right place at the right time. I feel very comfortable, not only because of the club but also because of the atmosphere.

“My teammates, staff… everyone treats me well. Everything makes me feel very privileged. To always have the opportunity to be at clubs like this is an added value not only for the coming months and years, but for the rest of my life.”

He added: “My move to Barcelona gave me a boost,” he said. “It boosted my self-esteem. I knew that I had to be a difference maker in terms of results and I’m not afraid of this role. I feel very proud of myself.”

Lewandowski is now preparing for Poland’s Nations League match against the Netherlands on Thursday in Warsaw.