Polish football icon Robert Lewandowski has made the surprising announcement that he will cease playing for the national team, effective immediately, until manager Michał Probierz is dismissed.
The forward for Barcelona stated that his decision stems from a “loss of trust” in Probierz, which developed after the national coach removed him from the captaincy.
Lewandowski, aged 36, holds an impressive record for Poland, having scored 85 goals in 158 international matches.
He shared his decision via social media, writing: “Considering the circumstances and the loss of trust in the coach of the Polish National Team, I decided to resign from playing in the Polish National Team until he is the coach.” (Note: The original post text included “[not]”, which is likely a transcription error; context indicates he will not play *while* Probierz is coach). He added: “I hope that I will be able to play for the best fans in the world.”
Despite his celebrated status in his home country, some Polish supporters had recently voiced criticism of Lewandowski for missing recent national team fixtures.
Probierz subsequently appointed Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zielinski as the new captain.
Lewandowski`s forceful declaration, essentially linking his international future to the manager`s status, has created considerable surprise within the football community.
Having made his debut in 2008, he is widely regarded as potentially the greatest Polish player in history.
In his club career, the former Lech Poznan talent achieved two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and a remarkable eight with Bayern Munich, where he also lifted the Champions League trophy in 2020.
Since his transfer to Barcelona three years ago, Lewandowski has also claimed two LaLiga championships.
The reaction among fans on social media to Lewandowski`s decision to step away from the national team was mixed.
Many commentators suggested that this situation confirms that the 52-year-old coach Probierz should be sacked after his two years in charge.
One fan posted: “Robert, you deserve much better treatment.”
Another supporter commented: “How can you have a problem with Robert, who is undoubtedly the best Polish footballer in history who has achieved more than all the others put together, that he will not play for Probierz again.”
However, other fans were critical of Lewandowski, implying he was “abandoning” the national squad.
One individual remarked: “[Jakub] Blaszczykowski did not give up playing in the national team after losing the captain's armband, just saying”
And another wrote: “But when the armband was there, there was some trust, but then it was lost and you say bye-bye. In such a situation, the player should choose the coach? Now, maybe at least some players will show what they are capable of without one star.”
