Lewandowski Quits Poland Duty Amid Coach Dispute
Star Striker Steps Away From International Football
Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s prolific forward, has declared he will no longer represent Poland’s national team as long as Michel Probierz remains head coach. The decision follows a period of reported friction and a recent change in team leadership.
Loss of Confidence Fuels Decision
Lewandowski initially withdrew from recent World Cup qualifying matches, citing physical and mental fatigue. However, he has now stated his absence will continue indefinitely unless there is a change at the helm of the Polish national team. He expressed his feelings via social media.
Biorąc pod uwagę okoliczności i utratę zaufania do selekcjonera Reprezentacji Polski postanowiłem do czasu kiedy jest trenerem zrezygnować z gry w Reprezentacji Polski. Mam nadzieję, że będzie dane mi jeszcze zagrać dla najlepszych kibiców na świecie.
—Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official), June 8, 2025
Lewandowski shared this message on X, formerly known as Twitter, signaling a firm stance against continuing under Probierz’s leadership. He voiced hope for a future return to the national squad, but only with a different coach.
Captaincy Change Adds to Tension
The situation escalated after Probierz removed Lewandowski as captain of the Polish national team, naming Piotr Zieliński as the new armband holder. This decision drew criticism from some quarters, further fueling speculation about the fractured relationship between the coach and the star player.
Recent polling data indicates that approximately 68% of Polish football fans believe a strong leader is crucial for the national team’s success. Statista, June 2025. This highlights the importance of the captaincy and the potential impact of the change.
Criticism and Future Uncertainty
Lewandowski has faced scrutiny in Poland for missing recent international fixtures, with some questioning his commitment to the national team. Despite this, his announcement will undoubtedly shock fans and raises serious questions about his future in international football. It remains unclear whether he will ever play for Poland again.
“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 while he is the coach. I hope that I will be able to play for the best fans in the world again.”
—Robert Lewandowski
The situation leaves the Polish national team in a state of uncertainty as they prepare for future competitions, and the focus will now shift to finding a resolution that can potentially bring Lewandowski back into the fold.
