Robert Lewandowski Stripped of Captaincy: Inside the Crisis Rocking Poland’s National Team
Poland’s national team is facing a major scandal. Star striker Robert Lewandowski has been stripped of his captaincy by head coach Michał Probierz, leading the legendary forward to announce he will not play for the national team while Probierz remains in charge.
The Conflict Begins
Back in late May, Lewandowski announced he would skip the upcoming national team camp. He cited exhaustion after a demanding season — not an injury, just a need for rest.
On June 6, Poland played a friendly against Moldova — meant to serve as a farewell match for Kamil Grosicki, who had announced his retirement from international duty after Euro 2024. Poland was also set to face Finland in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on June 10.
Some Polish journalists criticized Lewandowski for his absence, questioning how a healthy captain could miss a national call-up. Grosicki initially avoided commenting but eventually said:
"Even if I were tired, I would do everything to join the team. It’s
the greatest honor. Even when I was injured, I tried to be with the
team."
A Surprise Appearance
Lewandowski did, in fact, travel to attend Grosicki’s farewell match, though he kept his plans secret. He flew from Mallorca on a private jet and appeared at the stadium wearing a t-shirt with Grosicki’s name. Earlier, he told TVP Sport that rest and proper recovery were essential for his career and continued contribution to the national team.
Reactions in Poland were mixed. Some praised his commitment, others saw it as a PR move.
“It’s a surprise visit from 'always emotional Kamil,' probably meant to draw attention. Few will buy it,” wrote Michał Zachodny (TVP Sport).
“Lewy struggles in this team. Why come if he doesn’t want to? Without him, it’s better,” said Maciej Turski (Kanał Sportowy).
“He sends a clear message: I’m done with this team,” added ex-Poland player Maciej Stolarczyk.
Others defended Lewandowski:
“He’s nearly 37, he deserves the right to rest,” said former tennis player Dawid Celt.
“He hasn’t had proper vacations in years. I admire his honesty,” said Verona defender Paweł Dawidowicz.
But legendary Polish striker Grzegorz Lato took a hardline view:
“Back in 1982, I skipped my son’s First Communion to attend national
camp. Messi and Ronaldo still show up for their countries. If Robert
doesn’t want to play certain matches, maybe it’s time to retire and
have a farewell game.”
Captaincy Taken Away
A few days later, the Polish Football Association made it official:
“By decision of head coach Michał Probierz, Piotr Zieliński is now the
captain of the national team. Lewandowski, the squad, and staff were
informed.”
Lewandowski’s reaction was immediate and dramatic:
“Given the circumstances and the loss of trust in the coach, I’ve
decided to step away from the national team. I won’t return while
Probierz is in charge. I still hope to play for the best fans in the
world someday.”
Polish outlet Przegląd Sportowy reported that some players welcomed the captaincy change, suggesting the coach consulted a "team council" before acting. But the Polish FA later denied this:
“There was no meeting with a team council. The decision was made
solely by the head coach.”
A Clash of Leadership Styles
Communication expert Łukasz Kacza analyzed the situation:
“Taking the armband without prior notice ended an era. It wasn’t just
about a captain—it was about authority, ambition, and leadership. For
Lewandowski, this was a symbolic blow.”
Lewandowski Speaks Out
In a long and candid interview with Sportowe Fakty, Lewandowski explained his side:
“I felt the coach gave in to media pressure. He broke our agreement. I
was putting my kids to bed when he called unexpectedly to say I was no
longer captain. The call lasted a few minutes, and the announcement
was published online shortly after. I didn’t even have time to tell my
family.”
He continued:
“I’ve been with the national team for 17 years, captain for 11. These
decisions should be discussed face-to-face. I didn’t deserve to be
treated like this. The coach betrayed my trust. We had agreed I
wouldn’t attend the camp. I even told him I’d come to Grosicki’s
farewell match. Only he knew, yet it still leaked to the media.”
On Grosicki’s public comments:
“I don’t blame Kamil. He reacted emotionally. If he had known I was
coming, I’m sure he wouldn’t have said what he did.”
He also denied rumors that teammates were behind the captaincy removal:
“Several players called me in shock. They even hoped I’d reconsider.
That meant a lot.”
Lewandowski admitted:
“Right now, I feel disappointment and anger. I’ve always cared deeply
about the national team. That hasn’t changed. I just need time to
breathe and reflect. Then I’ll be able to speak more clearly about the
future.”
He also addressed criticism about speaking out post-match:
“I shared my thoughts with the coaching staff. That’s what leaders do.
I’ve done the same with Klopp, Guardiola, Flick. It’s about helping
the team, not criticizing it.”
Coach’s Response
At a press conference ahead of the Finland match, Michał Probierz said:
“I had no other chance to talk to Robert. After arriving in Finland, I
spoke with Zieliński and then called Robert at 21:16 to inform him of
the decision. Later, the media reported he had quit. That was his
choice.”
The Bigger Picture
Lewandowski has scored 85 goals for Poland—more than the entire current squad called up for the Moldova and Finland matches combined (84). His absence leaves a massive gap, not just in talent, but in leadership.
This saga raises tough questions for the Polish national team: Was Probierz right to assert control this way? Is Lewandowski being unfairly punished for his longevity and influence? And perhaps most importantly: Is there a way back for one of Poland’s greatest-ever players?
Published by Patrick Jane
10.06.2025