Just when it looked like Robert Lewandowski had called time on his international career, a major shake-up might change everything.
After stepping away from the Polish national team less than a week ago, the legendary striker is now reportedly reconsidering that decision.
Why the sudden change of heart? The coach he clashed with—Michal Probierz—has just stepped down.
Lewandowski Walked Away After Feeling Betrayed
The drama started on Sunday when Lewandowski announced he was done playing for Poland as long as Probierz remained in charge.
This came just 39 minutes after the Polish FA revealed that Probierz had stripped him of the captain’s armband—a title Lewandowski had held since 2014.
The 36-year-old didn’t hold back, accusing the coach of breaking his trust and leaking their private conversations.
“Considering the circumstances and the loss of trust… I have decided to step back,” Lewandowski said at the time, adding he hoped to return if the leadership changed.
Coach Probierz Resigns After Defeat to Finland
On Thursday, Probierz announced his resignation following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Finland, which left Poland sitting third in their World Cup qualifying group.
In a formal statement, he said stepping down was “the best decision for the good of the national team.”
He described the job as the honor of his life and thanked players, staff, and fans for their support.
His resignation has now reopened the door for Lewandowski to return, just in time for key qualifiers in September against the Netherlands and Finland.
The Captaincy Controversy Sparked It All
Lewandowski was reportedly blindsided when he received a surprise call from Probierz telling him he was being removed as captain.
At the time, he was putting his children to bed and hadn’t had time to inform his family before the news went live on the federation’s website.
He said the whole process was handled poorly: “Everything was communicated over the phone.
It really shouldn’t have been like this.” The striker also revealed that he and Probierz had agreed privately that he would skip the national team’s training camp to rest but attend a friendly match against Moldova as a surprise for teammate Kamil Grosicki’s farewell appearance.
That plan was leaked too, which only deepened the mistrust.
Accusations of Leaks, Pressure, and Internal Division
Lewandowski accused Probierz of bowing to media pressure and claimed the coach reneged on personal agreements.
According to reports, tension had been building between Lewandowski and the squad.
Some players had reportedly grown tired of his influence, with one Polish outlet suggesting that if captaincy had been decided by a team vote, Lewandowski wouldn’t have won it.
The atmosphere worsened in March when Poland barely beat Malta 2-0.
Lewandowski didn’t play due to fitness concerns but reportedly stormed into the dressing room to scold players and coaches.
He also publicly criticized the lack of young talent being integrated into the squad, questioning whether enough was being done to develop Poland’s future stars.
Lewandowski’s Record Still Stands Tall
Despite the controversy, Lewandowski’s place in Polish football history is secure.
With 85 goals in 158 appearances, he’s the country’s all-time top scorer and has been a central figure for over a decade.
His leadership and skill were unquestionable on the pitch, but this recent fallout painted a more complicated picture of his final days under Probierz.
What Happens Next for Poland?
Probierz had replaced Fernando Santos in 2023 and guided Poland to Euro 2024—but the team was the first to crash out.
Now with him gone, the national team is once again searching for stability.
And with Lewandowski potentially coming back into the fold, the next chapter for Poland might look very different—with fresh leadership and possibly a rejuvenated star striker back in the squad.