Poland’s all-time leading goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski, has announced he will no longer play for the national team under current manager Michał Probierz, following his controversial removal as team captain.
The 36-year-old Barcelona striker, who has netted 85 goals in 158 appearances for Poland, was absent from the squad during the current international break, sparking widespread speculation about his future with the team.
On Sunday, the Polish Football Association (PZPN) confirmed that Probierz had personally informed Lewandowski, the team, and coaching staff of his decision to appoint Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński, 31, as the new captain. The move has evidently fractured the relationship between the manager and Poland’s star player.
In a statement posted on social media, Lewandowski expressed his disillusionment, saying, “Taking into account the circumstances and a loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Poland national team for as long as he remains in charge.” He added a hopeful note, expressing his desire to one day return to play for “the best fans in the world.”
Probierz, 52, who assumed the managerial role in September 2023, has faced scrutiny for Poland’s lackluster performance at Euro 2024, where the team finished bottom of their group and became the first nation eliminated from the tournament. Despite this setback, Poland currently leads their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, having secured victories in both of their opening matches, while the Netherlands trail with three points from one game.
The PZPN announced that Probierz, alongside new captain Zieliński, will address the media at a press conference on Monday ahead of Poland’s World Cup qualifier against Finland on Tuesday. The conference is expected to shed light on the captaincy decision and Lewandowski’s shock withdrawal, which has sent ripples through Polish football.
Lewandowski’s absence leaves a significant void in the squad, both on and off the pitch, as fans and analysts await further developments in this unfolding saga.
For now, Poland must navigate their World Cup qualifying campaign without their talismanic striker, while Probierz faces mounting pressure to justify his decisions.