Feeling aggrieved, Poland legend Robert Lewandowski retires from his national team

One year before the 2026 World Cup, one of the most prominent figures in world football has shaken up the sporting landscape by announcing his temporary resignation from the national team. Robert Lewandowski, current FC Barcelona striker and considered one of the best strikers of the modern era, announced via social media his decision to no longer represent Poland while Michael Probierz remains in charge.

The announcement was made via a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), where Lewandowski said: “Considering the circumstances and the loss of confidence in the national team coach, I have decided to resign from playing for my country while he is the coach. I hope to be able to play again for the best fans in the world.”

The player elaborated on his current situation, stating: “I received a surprise call from coach Michal Probierz informing me that he had decided to remove my armband. I wasn't prepared for it; I was putting my children to bed. The conversation lasted a few minutes. I didn't even have time to inform my family or speak to anyone about what had happened, because moments later a message appeared on the PZPN website. The way they informed me was a real shock.”

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The news has caused concern among Polish fans, as the national team still has six key matches to play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The absence of the historic striker puts the national team's offense, nicknamed "The White Eagles," in jeopardy, and they will need to find quick solutions to keep their World Cup aspirations intact.

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI IS A FOOTBALLER OF THE TIMES

Robert Lewandowski has forged an exemplary career at both club and international level. He emerged through the youth ranks of Polish football and rose to international stardom with Borussia Dortmund, where he won the Bundesliga and reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2013.

His time at Bayern Munich subsequently cemented his position as one of the best strikers on the planet. At the Bavarian club, he won eight consecutive Bundesliga titles, a Champions League title in 2020, and multiple individual awards, including FIFA's The Best award in 2020 and 2021.

Since 2022, Lewandowski has been playing for FC Barcelona, ​​where he has maintained his high competitive level, becoming one of the Catalan club's offensive pillars and leading the LaLiga scoring charts during the 2022-23 season.

On the international stage, Lewandowski is a true icon of the Polish national team. Since his debut in 2008, he has made 158 appearances for the national team, scoring 85 goals, making him his country's all-time leading scorer.

He far surpasses the second on the list, Wlodzimierz Lubanski, who scored 44 goals. He has participated in three European Championships (2012, 2016, and 2020) and two World Cups (2018 and 2022), serving as captain and a key figure on and off the field.

Despite his temporary withdrawal, Poland currently leads Group G of the World Cup qualifiers, ahead of teams such as Finland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Malta, with two wins to their name. However, the road to the World Cup will be more difficult without their star player, and the coming months will be crucial in defining the future of the national team.