Warsaw – June 9, 2025 – Football legend Robert Lewandowski has announced he will no longer represent the Polish national team as long as Michal Probierz remains head coach. The Barcelona striker, Poland’s all-time top scorer with 85 goals in 158 caps, abruptly stepped away after being stripped of his captaincy in favor of Piotr Zielinski.
The Captaincy Fallout
On Sunday, the Polish Football Association (PZPN) shared that Lewandowski’s captaincy was reassigned to Zielinski, without explaining the underlying motivations . Probierz himself informed Lewandowski directly, stating the change was strategic and communicated to the entire squad.
In response, Lewandowski posted on social media:
“Considering the circumstances and the loss of trust in the Polish national team coach, I have decided to step back from playing for the Polish national team as long as he remains the coach.”
He expressed a desire to return in the future and paid tribute to Polish supporters: “the best fans in the world.”
Underlying Causes: Trust & Fatigue
At 36, Lewandowski cited both physical and mental exhaustion after a grueling club season. He was absent from Poland’s recent matches against Moldova and Finland for this reason
However, the loss of the captain’s armband—after holding it since 2014—appears to have been the tipping point. Lewandowski made it clear that a breakdown of trust in the coach, not a desire to retire, prompted his withdrawal .
Controversy & Mixed Reactions
The reaction in Poland has been polarized:
- Supporters view Lewandowski’s stance as principled, standing up for integrity.
- Critics, including former internationals like Wojciech Kowalczyk and Grzegorz Lato, argue that one player should not influence coaching decisions
- Some fans criticized him for prioritizing personal grievances over national duty. One X user controversially stated: “Don’t come back. You’re a mercenary.”
Implications for Poland’s Euro & World Cup Path
Probierz, appointed in 2023 after Fernando Santos’s dismissal, led Poland to a disappointing exit from Euro 2024 as the first team eliminated. Yet Poland fielded an experimental line-up and beat Moldova 2–0 in a recent friendly .
Their next challenge is a crucial World Cup qualifier against Finland. Facing upcoming battles, Poland will need to adapt without their talismanic striker .
Lewandowski’s Reflective State
Despite the controversy, Lewandowski expressed openness to returning under a different leadership:
“I hope I will have the chance to play again for the best fans in the world.”
His decision reflects long-term introspection: a highly dedicated professional not willing to compromise on trust and principle.
Timeline & What’s Next
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| June 8, 2025 | Captaincy revoked; Zielinski named new skipper |
| June 8–9, 2025 | Lewandowski announces withdrawal via social media |
| June 9 press conference | Probierz scheduled to address the controversy on camera |
| Next matches | Poland travels to Finland for 2026 World Cup qualifier |
Key questions remain: Will the PZPN intervene? Could this spark renewed pressure on Probierz? And will Lewandowski, widely regarded as Poland’s modern-day hero, eventually return?
Final Word: A Bold Stand
Robert Lewandowski’s withdrawal from international duty underlines not just his athletic excellence, but his conviction in matters of trust and leadership. It casts a spotlight on a national team at a crossroads: juggling a legend’s legacy, the coach’s authority, and the nation’s ambitions.
If Poland is to continue its momentum—and claim a place at Euro 2028 and the 2026 World Cup—it must navigate this leadership storm. As for Lewandowski, his fate now hinges on whether Poland can rebuild an environment worthy of his loyalty and legacy.
