At 37 years old, Robert Lewandowski continues to redefine what longevity looks like in elite soccer. While stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland dominate the global headlines, it is the Barcelona striker who has quietly pulled off one of the most remarkable statistical feats of the modern era — surpassing all four in a crucial career metric.
The Polish forward once again proved his enduring brilliance in Barcelona’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga. With a commanding hat-trick, he not only reduced Real Madrid’s lead at the top to three points but also reminded the world that he remains among the game’s most complete finishers.
Lewandowski’s performance was a masterclass in positioning, precision, and perseverance — the qualities that have defined a career now stretching over two decades across Borussia Dortmund, Bayern, and now the Catalan outfit. And while his latest record-breaking number might have gone unnoticed amid the chaos of the match, it represents a landmark achievement that sets him apart even from soccer’s biggest names.
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Robert Lewandowski makes La Liga history with heroic hat-trick for Barcelona vs. Celta Vigo
The 100th penalty — and a slice of history
Early in the match at Balaidos, Barcelona was given a penalty after Marcos Alonso handled the ball inside the box. The moment carried more weight than anyone realized: it was the 100th penalty kick of Robert Lewandowski’s professional career.
Stepping up against Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu, Lewandowski struck low and firm to the corner. Radu guessed the right way and got both hands to the ball, but it slipped past him into the net. The Polish striker exhaled deeply, running a hand over his forehead — a rare glimpse of relief from a man whose calm under pressure has become legendary.
That conversion wasn’t just another goal. It was the one that cemented his place above some of the biggest penalty takers in soccer history. In fact, Lewandowski’s penalty record now stands among the greatest of all time, eclipsing the likes of Ronaldo, Kane, Mbappe, and Haaland in efficiency.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring against Valencia.
The key number? Lewandowski has converted 89 of his 100 career penalties, giving him a success rate of 89% — a figure that surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo (83.66%), Harry Kane (88.88%), Kylian Mbappe (80.28%), and Erling Haaland (83.87%).
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That level of consistency under pressure, sustained over years and leagues, underscores what makes the veteran striker extraordinary: a rare blend of composure, precision, and mental strength.
