A real 'bombshell' recently shook the Polish national team. The reason? The unexpected retirement of its top historical scorer (84 goals) and player with the most appearances (157): Robert Lewandowski. An farewell motivated not by strictly sporting reasons, but by great differences with the national coach, Michał Probierz, as explained by the striker himself through his social networks.
"Considering the circumstances and the loss of confidence in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the national team while he remains as coach. I hope to be able to play again for the best national team in the world."
'Lewy' wrote in the message that made his temporary farewell from the national team official. An absence that undoubtedly leaves its mark on the 'White Eagles', a team that is currently fighting to secure a spot for the 2026 World Cup.
What caused the conflict between 'Lewy' and coach Probierz?
According to various reports, the friction would have originated from Lewandowski's refusal to attend the call of the national team for the commitments of this June FIFA date. Poland was scheduled to play a friendly against Moldova, which resulted in a 2-0 victory for the Poles, and a match corresponding to the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place next Tuesday, June 10 against Finland in Helsinki.
The striker's absence was publicly justified through a statement on his social networks, where he explained that he decided to step aside to rest after a demanding season with FC Barcelona, in which he played 52 games and accumulated 3,929 minutes of action.
Lewandowski argued the following:
"Due to the circumstances and the intensity of the club season, the coach (Michał Probierz) and I have decided together that this time I will not be able to participate in the national team camp in June. Playing in white and red has always been a dream come true, but sometimes the body gives a signal that it needs a temporary rest," he said.
| INJURY | TIME OFF | MATCHES MISSED |
|---|---|---|
| Injury to the semitendinosus of the left thigh | 17 days | 5 |
Lewandowski after Poland-Moldova: "I don't have to give explanations"
Despite not being called up, the '9' attended the friendly match against Moldova in Silesia, where he was seen in the stands. In the middle of the match, he spoke about the issue again:
"I don't have to give explanations about the reasons why I made this decision. Was it correct? At the moment I decided it, it was. I think the guys will manage without my presence. This team doesn't depend on me. I called coach Probierz because I wanted to talk to him sincerely. I told him that I didn't feel well physically or mentally. I was in a slump at that moment. I felt that going to the camp wouldn't help me at the level he wanted," he explained sincerely on TVP Sport.
Piotr Zieliński, new captain of Poland: 'Dig' at Lewandowski?
The Polish Football Federation, in an official statement, announced that Lewandowski will no longer be the captain of the national team, a responsibility he had been holding regularly since 2014. In his place, the armband will be worn by Piotr Zieliński, the current midfielder of Inter Milan.
A decision that many interpret as the beginning of a change of cycle in the national team and that may have directly influenced the announcement of 'Lewy'.
The big question that remains now is whether this retirement is definitive or if it is just a temporary pause. Will Lewandowski wear the Polish national team jersey again if there is a change on the bench? Or has this story already come to an end?
For now, we have to wait. But what is certain is that Poland loses its great reference, just at a key moment on the road to the 2026 World Cup.