Lewandowski backs Yamal for Ballon d'Or, hails Kane and Olise as contenders
Lewandowski tips Yamal but highlights Bayern duo
The Polish striker says Lamine Yamal’s exceptional talent makes him a deserving Ballon d’Or candidate, but was particularly impressed by Michael Olise when speaking to The Athletic.
“Of course, I push my finger for Lamine to win the Ballon d’Or, because he’s amazing, especially for his age,” Lewandowski said.
Kane impact and Olise praise
Lewandowski also highlighted the impact Harry Kane has made since arriving in Munich, praising his goalscoring record and the attacking partnership he has developed with Olise and Luis Díaz.
“Harry Kane came to Bayern in his prime and what he’s doing is amazing, how many goals he’s scoring, and especially that Bayern missed this kind of striker after I left,” he explained. “And with him they’re doing a really good job and Olise for me is like: ‘Wow.’ He’s the game-changer player. And I think this work and cooperation between Kane, Olise and Díaz is like a perfect match.”
Bayern dominance and Bundesliga shift
Lewandowski believes Bayern’s performances last season deserved to be rewarded with Champions League success, suggesting winning Europe’s premier competition would have put their campaign alongside the club’s historic 2019/20 treble-winning season.
He reflected on the Bundesliga’s changing landscape, pointing to Bayern’s emphatic 6-1 victory over RB Leipzig as an example of their current dominance.
“The Bundesliga changed a bit the last one, two years compared to when I was there,” he said. “But of course, how Bayern develops, that is something amazing that everyone can learn from them and try to follow them.”
Olise’s Ballon d’Or potential
Despite backing Yamal for the Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski believes Olise could enter the conversation himself, particularly if he impresses at the upcoming World Cup.
“Olise has a huge future. I know that everyone is talking about Lamine, but I try to find sometimes the different players and see something, sometimes that not everyone sees yet,” he added. “For me also, probably if Olise scored one or two goals in the World Cup, he would be the favourite also to win the Ballon d’Or, with Lamine or with Harry Kane, also.”
Lewandowski concluded by praising Olise’s decision-making and creativity, highlighting his ability to recognise when to shoot and when to create opportunities for teammates. His comments underline the growing recognition of Olise’s influence at Bayern, with the Frenchman emerging as one of the Bundesliga’s standout attacking talents alongside Kane.