Lewandowski quits Poland after ´loss of trust´ in head coach Probierz

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has announced he will not play for the Poland national team for as long as coach Michal Probierz remains in charge.

Earlier this week, Lewandowski cited “physical and mental tiredness” as the reason for making himself unavailable for his country during the current international window.

The 36-year-old featured 52 times across all competitions for Hansi Flick’s side, netting 42 goals as he helped his team lift three trophies, including the LaLiga title.

As a result, Poland head coach Probierz opted to replace Lewandowski as captain, with Inter’s Piotr Zielinski handed the armband for their two international fixtures this month.

Zielinski led his team to a 2-0 victory over Moldova in an international friendly on Friday ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash against Finland this Tuesday.

Lewandowski has subsequently announced he is stepping away from international football, but has suggested he is open to a return in the near future.

“Taking into the circumstances and a loss of trust in the coach, I have decided to resign from playing for the Poland national team for as long as he remains in charge,” Lewandowski posted on social media.

“I hope I will still have the chance to play again for the best fans in the world.”

Biorąc pod uwagę okoliczności i utratę zaufania do selekcjonera Reprezentacji Polski postanowiłem do czasu kiedy jest trenerem zrezygnować z gry w Reprezentacji Polski. Mam nadzieję, że będzie dane mi jeszcze zagrać dla najlepszych kibiców na świecie.

— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) June 8, 2025

Lewandowski missed Barca’s Champions League semi-final first-leg draw with Inter and their Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid with a hamstring injury.

The Pole returned for the final three games of the league season, netting twice as Barca clinched a 28th title in the Spanish top flight.

However, he opted against ing up with his national side for their two international fixtures this month.

“Returning from injury, I told Coach Probierz that I did not feel good physically, but especially mentally,” Lewandowski told Polish media earlier this week.

Lewandowski is Poland’s leading appearance maker with 158 outings. He has also scored 85 goals, more than anyone else in the history of the Polish national team.