What was supposed to be the end of an era for Polish football might just be another dramatic chapter.
Just days after announcing his international retirement, Robert Lewandowski is already reconsidering—thanks to a major shakeup behind the scenes.
Lewandowski Quits Over Loss of Trust
It all started with an announcement that shook Poland’s football fanbase.
On Sunday, Lewandowski revealed he was stepping away from international duty, not because of age or fitness, but because of a serious falling out with then-head coach Michal Probierz.
Only 39 minutes after the Polish Football Association made it public that Lewandowski had been stripped of the captaincy, the striker made his feelings known.
“Given the circumstances and the loss of trust in the coach, I’ve decided to step back,” he said, making it clear he had no plans to return as long as Probierz remained in charge.
Accusations and a Leaked Fallout
What followed was a rare glimpse into private tensions between a national icon and his coach. Lewandowski didn’t hold back.
He accused Probierz of betraying him, particularly for the way news was leaked about internal decisions, including his plans to surprise teammate Kamil Grosicki during his farewell match.
The 36-year-old said he had cleared the visit with the coach and kept it under wraps for a heartfelt moment.
But someone spilled the secret. Lewandowski clearly believed that someone was Probierz.
Coach Steps Down Amid Poor Results
Fast forward to Thursday, and the plot thickens—Probierz resigned.
After a disappointing 2-1 loss to Finland that left Poland trailing in their World Cup qualifying group, the coach decided to walk away.
Probierz, who had replaced Fernando Santos in 2023, said he made the move “for the good of the national team,” adding that leading Poland had been his dream job and greatest honour.
His emotional farewell included thanks to staff, players, and fans, but the damage with Lewandowski was already done.
Lewandowski Eyes a Return
Now that Probierz is out, Lewandowski is reportedly thinking about coming back.
According to German outlet BILD, the Barcelona striker might rejoin the team in time for their crucial World Cup qualifiers in September against the Netherlands and Finland.
It would be a rapid turnaround—but not a surprising one for a player still clearly passionate about representing his country.
The Captaincy Controversy
A big part of the fallout was how the captaincy was handled.
Lewandowski said he got an unexpected call from Probierz—while putting his kids to bed—informing him he’d no longer wear the armband.
He didn’t have time to process the news or tell his family before the Polish FA made it public.
“That’s not how these things should be done,” he said, pointing to a total breakdown in communication and trust.
Accusations of Dividing the Squad
Reports in Polish media suggested this wasn’t just about Lewandowski and the coach.
Some squad members were allegedly fed up with his influence.
One outlet claimed that if the captaincy had been voted on, Lewandowski wouldn’t have kept it.
There were also rumblings about how he behaved behind closed doors—such as storming into the dressing room after a lacklustre win over Malta in March and harshly criticising both players and staff.
A Critic of Youth Development
Lewandowski had also gone public with concerns about the national team’s future, especially regarding youth talent.
After that Malta match, he questioned whether enough young players were being developed or trusted in the senior setup.
It was a fair point, but one that likely ruffled feathers.
A National Treasure, Nonetheless
Despite the controversies, Lewandowski remains a legend.
He’s Poland’s top scorer with 85 goals from 158 matches and has worn the captain’s armband since 2014.
He’s helped carry the national team through ups and downs over the past decade.
His sudden retirement left fans stunned—but his potential return may offer a welcome second act.
Poland Looks Ahead to September
With Probierz gone, the Polish FA will need to find a new manager quickly—and possibly mend fences with their star striker.
If Lewandowski returns, it could bring stability and firepower just in time for must-win qualifiers.
For now, fans are watching closely to see if Poland’s No. 9 will once again lead them into battle.