Lukas Podolski, a legend of world football and a beloved player of Górnik Zabrze fans, will remain at the club for another season! The decision was announced in a spectacular manner before the last match of the last Ekstraklasa season against Korona Kielce, dispelling speculation about a possible retirement of the 39-year-old world champion from 2014.
Born in Gliwice, Podolski has been declaring his love for Górnik for years. In 2021, he fulfilled his promise to return to his beloved club, and his adventure with the 14-time Polish champions has spanned four seasons. During that time, he has played 103 matches, scored 22 goals and recorded 20 assists, becoming not only a leader on the pitch, but also a key figure in building the club's image.
– Górnik and this region are my home. I grew up here and I come from here. I will end my career here. It was a difficult decision for me, but at some point you have to say stop... But not now! – said Podolski in a special recording displayed on a large screen at the Roosevelta stadium, causing euphoria among the fans.
Speculations about the end of "Poldi's" career have been growing in recent weeks, especially after the club's mysterious message: "Thank you for what you have done for the Club over the past four years! Come to the stadium earlier for Lukas Podolski." Many fans feared that the star would announce his retirement, but Górnik cleverly used these emotions to prepare a surprise. Podolski, grabbing the microphone and kissing the club's badge, confirmed that he was still not ready to leave the pitch.
"It wasn't always easy. I did what I could for this club. I think it turned out well," admitted the player, emphasizing his attachment to Zabrze.
The decision to extend the contract coincides with other actions by Podolski, who is actively involved in the privatization process of Górnik. Through his company LP Holding GmbH, he made an offer to buy the club, competing with a local consortium of Zarys and Tabapol. Despite the turmoil related to the dismissal of Zabrze president Agnieszka Rupniewska, which delayed the privatization process, Podolski remains determined to take over the club and rebuild its size.
– I will not give up. I feel responsible for Górnik and the people who work here. I want the club to be private, free from politics – declares Podolski, who has a vision of creating a strong team, capable of referring to the years of glory.
On the pitch, Górnik finished the 2024/2025 season in ninth place in the Ekstraklasa, which Podolski assessed as a satisfactory result, considering the club's organizational limitations. "We are not ready to fight for medals yet, but we are heading in the right direction," he said.
Górnik fans are eagerly awaiting the next season, in which the club's icon will once again lead the team on the pitch. The new jersey for the 2025/2026 season, inspired by the successes of the past, with Podolski as one of the ambassadors, is already generating enthusiasm. "Together we fight for new dreams" - these words of "Poldi" from the promotional campaign for the new jersey perfectly reflect the spirit he brings to Zabrze.
Lukas Podolski, despite approaching his 40th birthday, still shows that he has the heart to play and a great passion for Górnik. His decision to stay is not only good news for the fans, but also a signal that the Zabrze club has an ambitious future ahead of it.