Lewandowski vs. Mbappé: The Double Standards That Fans Can’t Ignore

In the ever-heated football debates, few topics stir as much controversy as the comparison between Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappé. The two strikers have been in phenomenal form in their respective leagues, yet the discourse surrounding them couldn’t be more different. While Lewandowski continues to dominate the scoring charts, some fans, especially those supporting Real Madrid, have been quick to label him as “finished.” Meanwhile, Mbappé’s goal-scoring exploits have sparked declarations that he is the best player in the world and the clear frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. The double standards are impossible to ignore.

Lewandowski, a proven goal machine, remains at the top of La Liga’s scoring charts. Despite his consistent performances, critics dismiss his goals as mere “tap-ins,” as if positioning, movement, and finishing are not integral parts of a striker’s skill set. The Polish forward’s ability to read the game, anticipate opportunities, and be in the right place at the right time is an art in itself—one that many world-class strikers have perfected over the years. Yet, when it comes to Lewandowski, his contributions are often downplayed.

On the other hand, Mbappé, who is enjoying an excellent run of form, receives widespread praise for his goal-scoring abilities. His electrifying pace, dribbling, and finishing make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the world. But the way fans and pundits treat his goals compared to Lewandowski’s highlights a clear bias. When Mbappé scores a simple finish, it is seen as clinical. When Lewandowski does the same, it’s labeled as “just a tap-in.”

It’s fascinating how narratives shift depending on the player in question. If a 35-year-old Lewandowski leads the top scorer list, people call it a weak league. If a 25-year-old Mbappé does it, he is celebrated as the undisputed best in the world. The reality is, both players are exceptional at what they do, yet only one seems to receive universal acclaim.

Football is a sport of opinions, and while fans are entitled to their preferences, it is important to recognize and appreciate greatness where it exists. Lewandowski has been one of the most prolific strikers of his generation, and despite being in his mid-30s, he continues to silence doubters with his performances. Meanwhile, Mbappé, still in his prime, is undeniably one of the brightest talents in world football. The contrast in the way they are perceived, however, exposes a trend of selective appreciation.

Perhaps it’s the natural allure of younger players that skews perceptions. Football fans tend to gravitate towards rising stars, while older players are quickly written off. But time and time again, seasoned professionals like Lewandowski prove that experience and consistency matter just as much as youth and flair.

It’s also worth considering how club rivalries influence opinions. With Mbappé heavily linked to Real Madrid, it’s no surprise that Madridistas would be quick to dismiss a player like Lewandowski, who represents their biggest rivals, Barcelona. This tribalism fuels the double standards, creating narratives that may not necessarily reflect reality.

At the end of the day, both Lewandowski and Mbappé are world-class players, each with their own unique strengths. Lewandowski’s positional intelligence and finishing ability make him one of the deadliest strikers of his generation. Meanwhile, Mbappé’s explosive pace and goal-scoring prowess have solidified his status as a future legend. Instead of tearing one down to elevate the other, football fans should appreciate the greatness of both.

If anything, the fact that Lewandowski, at 35, is still leading the scoring charts and causing debates about his relevance speaks volumes about his greatness. If he was truly “finished,” would he still be outperforming players in their prime? The answer is clear.

The double standards will continue, as they always do in football. But the numbers don’t lie, and both Lewandowski and Mbappé deserve respect for their contributions to the game. Perhaps it’s time to stop the biased narratives and enjoy the brilliance of two generational talents while we still can.