Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s legendary striker and all-time leading scorer, has declared that he will no longer represent the national team as long as Michal Probierz remains the head coach. This announcement came just days after the Poland coach made the controversial decision to strip Lewandowski of his captaincy and hand over the armband to midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
Michal Probierz, who took over as Poland’s coach in 2023 following the dismissal of Fernando Santos, has been tasked with rebuilding the team after an early exit at Euro 2024.. This leadership change has not only shocked fans but also led to Lewandowski’s public decision to step back from international duty. On social media, Lewandowski shared his feelings about the situation, saying, “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.”
Captaincy Change Sparks Lewandowski’s International Break
Robert Lewandowski had held the captaincy since 2014, following in the footsteps of Jakub Błaszczykowski. For nearly a decade, he led Poland with distinction, both as a prolific goal scorer and an inspirational leader. His record includes 85 goals in a record 158 appearances, making him the highest scorer in Poland’s history.
The captaincy shift to Piotr Zielinski reflects a broader strategy by coach Michal Probierz to refresh the squad and possibly usher in a new era for Poland. Zielinski, a skilled midfielder, will now carry the responsibility of leading the team in upcoming competitions, including World Cup qualifiers. The PZPN indicated that no official reasons for Lewandowski’s removal from the captaincy had been publicly disclosed, which has led to much speculation in the media and among fans.
Adding complexity to the situation, Robert Lewandowski was not part of the current Poland squad, citing physical and mental exhaustion after a demanding season with his club, Barcelona. The 36-year-old striker’s absence was already a blow to the national team, but the captaincy change and Lewandowski’s subsequent announcement have cast uncertainty over Poland’s immediate football future.
Lewandowski’s Legacy and Poland’s Future Without Their Star

Robert Lewandowski’s international career has been remarkable, making him Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances. For nearly a decade, Lewandowski was the face of Polish football, leading the team as captain and inspiring his teammates both on and off the pitch. His goal-scoring prowess and leadership helped Poland compete at the highest levels, including multiple European Championships and World Cup qualifiers.
However,Robert Lewandowski’s recent decision to step away from the national team after being stripped of the captaincy marks a turning point for Polish football. This comes after Poland’s disappointing early exit from Euro 2024 under coach Michal Probierz. The team now faces the challenge of rebuilding without their talismanic striker. New captain Piotr Zielinski has been entrusted with leading the side as Poland aims to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The future of Polish football will depend on how well they adapt to the absence of their star player and whether Lewandowski decides to return.
What’s Next for Robert Lewandowski?

With his international career on hold indefinitely, Robert Lewandowski is turning his full attention to his club career at Barcelona. The 36-year-old forward plans to take a break to recover from physical and mental fatigue after a long season. This rest period is expected to help him recharge before the start of the new season.
Lewandowski’s decision to pause his role with Poland doesn’t necessarily mean the end of his international journey. A return to the national team could be possible if there is a change in the coaching setup or a resolution to the current conflict. Meanwhile, Lewandowski will continue to focus on maintaining his high standards at the club level, aiming to contribute significantly to Barcelona’s success in the coming years.
Fans remain hopeful that Lewandowski, one of Poland’s greatest footballers, will once again don the national jersey and add to his impressive legacy.