Lewandowski names Yamal as his Ballon d’Or choice and marvels at Bayern Munich

Robert Lewandowski has backed his former Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, while describing Bayern Munich’s current team as “amazing”.

The Chicago Fire striker also singled out Bayern forwards Harry Kane and Michael Olise for praise, saying the pair, alongside Diaz, have formed an outstanding attacking combination.

“I would, of course, support Lamine winning the Ballon d’Or because he is amazing, especially for his age – 19,” Lewandowski told The Athletic.

Lewandowski spent time at Bayern Munich before moving to Barcelona and believes Kane arrived in Germany at the peak of his powers.

“Harry Kane came to Bayern at the peak of his level and what he is doing is incredible,” he said. “The number of goals he scores is remarkable, especially because Bayern had been missing this type of striker after I left. With him, they are doing a really good job.”

The Poland international also highlighted Olise’s influence, describing the France player as someone capable of changing the course of a match.

“Olise is a player who makes you say: ‘Wow.’ He is able to change the game,” said Lewandowski. “I think the work and the cooperation between Kane, Olise and Diaz looks like the perfect combination.”

Lewandowski believes Olise could emerge as a leading Ballon d’Or contender if he makes an impact at the World Cup.

“Olise has a great future ahead of him,” he added. “I know everyone is talking about Lamine, but sometimes I try to look for different players and see things that not everybody notices yet. For me, maybe if Olise scored one or two goals at the World Cup, he could also be the leading candidate to win the Ballon d’Or, alongside Lamine or Harry Kane as well.”

He was particularly impressed by the former Crystal Palace player’s decision-making.

“His decisions are perfect. He knows the timing, he knows when he should shoot to score, when he should pass and what type of pass he should play,” Lewandowski said. “I love watching Lamine, but I also love watching Olise and the way they play.”

‘Bayern are amazing’

Lewandowski said Bayern Munich’s only significant shortcoming last season was failing to win the Champions League.

“Looking at the way they played last season, I think the only thing Bayern were missing was the Champions League title,” he said. “If they had won it, perhaps people would have viewed it as similar to what we achieved in 2020, when we won everything, because they performed amazingly.”

He added that the Bundesliga had changed slightly over the past year or two compared with his time in Germany.

“If you see Bayern Munich beating Leipzig 6-1 now, perhaps that is not ideal for the league,” Lewandowski said. “But, of course, the way Bayern are developing is amazing. Everyone can learn from them and try to follow their example.”